Pronunciation: /hɛld ʌp/
verb to delay or impede progress
A1 The traffic held up the bus.
A2 The construction work held up the project.
B1 The bad weather held up our flight for several hours.
B2 The negotiations held up the signing of the contract.
C1 The legal issues held up the development of the new product.
C2 The strike held up production at the factory for weeks.
adjective delayed or postponed
A1 The traffic was held up by a broken down car.
A2 The delivery was held up due to bad weather.
B1 The project was held up because of a lack of funding.
B2 The flight was held up for several hours due to technical issues.
C1 The negotiations were held up by disagreements between the parties.
C2 The construction of the new building was held up by legal disputes.
adverb in a delayed or postponed manner
A1 I held up my hand to ask a question in class.
A2 The traffic jam held up my journey to work.
B1 The delayed flight held up our travel plans.
B2 The construction work held up the completion of the building project.
C1 The investigation was held up due to lack of evidence.
C2 The negotiations were held up by disagreements between the two parties.
formal The construction of the new bridge was held up due to unforeseen weather conditions.
informal I was held up in traffic on my way to the meeting.
slang I got held up at the store because I couldn't find my wallet.
figurative Her progress in the project was held up by constant interruptions.
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hold ups
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have held up
is holding up
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to hold up
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held up