delay
Sorry I'm late—the traffic really held me up this morning.
hold up — 4 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb4 meanings
hold upsame phrase
Which one do you mean?
support
The old bridge is held up by strong steel cables.
rob
The store was held up by two masked men last night.
remain valid (of an argument, theory, etc.)
Her theory about language acquisition doesn't really hold up under closer scrutiny.
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Meanings in detail
1. delay
B1neutralspoken
To cause someone or something to be late or to slow down.
Sorry I'm late—the traffic really held me up this morning.
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B1neutralboth
To physically support or keep something in position so it does not fall.
The old bridge is held up by strong steel cables.
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B2informalspoken
To threaten someone, usually with a weapon, in order to steal from them.
The store was held up by two masked men last night.
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C2neutralboth
To continue to be true, valid, or convincing when examined closely or tested over time.
Her theory about language acquisition doesn't really hold up under closer scrutiny.
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