hole up

British  

verb

1. (of an animal) to hibernate, esp in a cave

2. informal to hide or remain secluded

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hole up Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hole up

I clear my schedule and hole up in the library, only to fritter away hours doing everything but writing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026

Holly’s sudden social-media fame as a wood-splitting DIY farm fatale sends Alison into full freakout mode: Maybe she shouldn’t hole up in her studio and write the next book.

From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2025

It’s a sanctuary city where we defiantly hole up in peace.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 15, 2024

This month, you and your partner can escape to the Catskills and hole up in one of 11 new private cabins called the Rounds.

From New York Times ● Feb. 7, 2024

Whenever the riots broke out, all our neighbors would wisely hole up behind closed doors.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

Related Words

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