hold-up

noun

1. a robbery, esp an armed one

2. a delay; stoppage

3. an excessive charge; extortion

4. (usually plural) a stocking that is held up by an elasticated top without suspenders

verb

1. (tr) to delay; hinder

   we were held up by traffic

2. (tr) to keep from falling; support

3. (tr) to stop forcibly or waylay in order to rob, esp using a weapon

4. (tr) to exhibit or present

   he held up his achievements for our admiration

5. (intr) to survive or last

   how are your shoes holding up?

6. bridge to refrain from playing a high card, so delaying the establishment of (a suit)

7. to confess a mistake or misdeed

Idioms and Phrases

Offer or present as an example, as in The teacher held Bernie's essay up as a model for the class to follow . [c. 1600]

Obstruct or delay, as in We were held up in traffic . [c. 1900]

Rob, as in He was held up in a dark alley, with no help nearby . This usage, which gave rise to the noun holdup for a robbery, alludes to the robbers' demand that the victims hold their hands high. [Late 1800s]

Also, hold out . Continue to function without losing force or effectiveness, endure. For example, We held up through that long bitter winter , or The nurse was able to hold out until someone could relieve her . [Late 1500s]

See hold one's head high .

Example Sentences

"He even had a couple of other opportunities, half opportunities he took quite well as well. His movement, his hold-up play... he seems big, he seems strong."

From BBC

It also allows Arsenal to utilise the strengths of their individuals, with Raya boasting excellent kicking abilities targeting a tall and impressive hold-up player in Havertz.

From BBC

United's tendency to go long, overloading the wide areas, may therefore pose a challenge City will need to be aware of, particularly if they can find a player with the hold-up quality of Bryan Mbeumo.

From BBC

Fellow new arrival Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, signed from Chelsea for an initial £24m, averages more chances created per game than any Everton player since the start of last season, while young centre-forward Thierno Barry, a £27m arrival from Villareal, has impressed with his hold-up play in four appearances.

From BBC

But the hold-up has triggered more questions from outside.

From BBC

Related Words

• delay 
• detain 
• hinder 
• impede 
• interrupt 
• stay 
• stop 
• suspend