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

One problem would be Venezuela’s infantry, which could hole up in the densely packed slums of Caracas and other cities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025

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

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

Now during raids she and her children hole up in a corner by the bathroom, where another wall separates them from their one-room apartment’s exterior.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2024

“You can’t hole up inside, Malú,” Mom said.

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez

Related Words

• hide