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

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

Across the region, once-busy parks, shops and businesses have emptied as undocumented residents and their families hole up at home in fear.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2025

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

Beyond the immediate threat to human health, extended periods of extreme heat can zap regional economies as workers and consumers hole up in their homes and offices.

From Scientific American • Jul. 21, 2023

As I treated them with ointment I decided to hole up until the weather eased a bit—I thought overnight.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

• hide