Meaning trap
hold up
rob
To threaten someone, usually with a weapon, in order to steal from them.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To threaten someone, usually with a weapon, in order to steal from them.
Another meaning of 'hold up' is 'delay'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The store was held up by two masked men last night.
In some cities, small shops are at risk of being held up, especially late at night when there are fewer people around.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: They held up to the bank.
Say: They held up the bank.
'Hold up + place/person' directly — no 'to'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Hold up' specifically means rob at gunpoint. 'Robbed' is the general word; 'held up' implies the weapon and threat.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold up + target
- the bank
- a shop
- the cashier
- a petrol station
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- hold up (delay) — Another meaning of 'hold up' is 'delay'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.