hold up
To impede; detain.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“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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apron-string hold
An estate held by a man during his wife's life.
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buy and hold
A passive investment strategy where an investor purchases an asset and retains it for many years, rather than trading it frequently.
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don't hold your breath
Don't wait. Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned is unlikely to happen soon or at all.
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hold a grudge
To stay angry (at someone or something).
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hold a light
Synonym of hold a candle.
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hold back
To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.
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hold by the button
To detain in conversation to the point of weariness or tedium; to bore while tallking to
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hold cheap
To have a low esteem for (someone or something); to hold in contempt; to look down upon.
Last updated August 10, 2026