hold up — support
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To physically support or keep something in position so it does not fall.
Say it like a native
Textbook These columns provide structural support for the roof.
Native These columns hold up the roof.
'Hold up' is the plain verb for physically supporting. 'Provide structural support for' is engineer-speak.
Pattern: hold (something) up
In use
- The old bridge is held up by strong steel cables.daily life
- Modern buildings are often held up by a steel frame, which makes them stronger and safer.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ What holds up it?
✓ What holds it up?
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'hold it up'.
Common collocations
hold up— the roof, the shelf, your trousers, the bridge
Don't confuse it
'Hold up' (support) is about keeping something in place, not about making it higher.
Related
- hold up (delay) — Another meaning of 'hold up' is 'delay'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.