# hold up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To impede; detain.

## Examples

- The traffic jam held me up for an hour.
- Security at the airport held us up because they needed to check my bag more carefully.
- A sudden downpour held up the construction crew, forcing them to delay the pouring of concrete until the weather cleared.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.