hole up

verb

1. (of an animal) to hibernate, esp in a cave
2. informal.
   to hide or remain secluded

Idioms and Phrases

Take refuge or shelter, hide, as in I spent most of the cruise holed up in my cabin . This usage alludes to animals hibernating in winter or hiding from attack in caves or holes. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

So every morning around 11 they arrive and hole up in their mini recording studio adjacent to the sound stage.

From The Daily Beast

She would hole up in her apartment, often staying in bed and sleeping for days on end.

From The Daily Beast

"It ain't no cheerful camp, but I never seen a safer place to hole up in," he remarked to Wilson.

From Project Gutenberg

When food becomes scarce and the weather cold and snowy, a number of animals hole up—go into a den.

From Project Gutenberg

Generally the entire skunk family, from two to eight, hole up together.

From Project Gutenberg

"Yu was fillin' th' hole up," remarked Mr. Travennes in an accusing tone, hiding the real reason for his evacuation.

From Project Gutenberg

I then covered the hole up with the same dirt and moss that I dug out, and went home.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hide