The phrase "hold up" can have a few different meanings in English, and it is often used as a phrasal verb. Let's break down its meanings, usage, and examples to help you understand it better.
Basic Meanings:
To Support or Carry Weight:
When something "holds up," it means it supports or carries the weight of something else.
Example: "The bridge holds up the traffic that crosses it."
"Hold up" can also mean to withstand pressure, wear, or criticism.
Example: "These shoes won’t hold up after walking for hours."
In a more informal context, "hold up" can mean to rob someone, often with a threat.
Example: "The bank was held up by two masked men."
Usage Instructions:
Advanced Usage:
In more complex sentences, "hold up" can be used to express ideas about resilience or endurance.
Example: "Despite the challenges, her spirit held up through the tough times."
Word Variants:
Different Meanings:
Physical Support: "The wall holds up the roof."
Resilience: "His argument didn’t hold up under scrutiny."
Delay: "Traffic was held up because of the accident."
Robbery: "They were held up at gunpoint."
Synonyms:
For support: support, sustain, bear
For withstand: endure, resist, survive
For delay: delay, hinder, obstruct
For rob: mug, stick up
Idioms and Related Phrasal Verbs:
Hold up one’s end: To do your part in a task or obligation.
Hold up as an example: To showcase something as a positive model.
Summary:
"Hold up" is a versatile phrase that can mean to support something physically, to resist criticism or wear, to cause a delay, or to rob someone in a more informal context.