hold up — remain valid (of an argument, theory, etc.)
phrasal verbC2IELTS 8+neutraloccasional
To continue to be true, valid, or convincing when examined closely or tested over time.
Say it like a native
Textbook His argument remained valid under close examination.
Native His argument holds up under scrutiny.
'Hold up' naturally means stand up to testing. 'Remained valid under close examination' is formal.
Pattern: hold up (under/to scrutiny/analysis/examination)
In use
- Her theory about language acquisition doesn't really hold up under closer scrutiny.argumentation
- While the initial findings appear promising, the methodology does not hold up to rigorous academic analysis.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Does this theory hold up to scrutiny?
✓ Does this theory hold up under scrutiny?
'Hold up UNDER scrutiny/pressure' (not 'to scrutiny').
Common collocations
hold up + under— under scrutiny, in court, over time, under pressure
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B-level senses (delay, support, rob), this sense is figurative and refers to the strength or validity of abstract concepts, not physical objects or actions.
Related
- hold up (delay) — 'hold up' also has the more basic meaning 'delay'; this is the advanced sense.