stop up

Idioms and Phrases

Fill a hole or gap, block an opening or passage. For example, We need to stop up the chinks in the walls , or The sink is stopped up; it won't drain . This idiom was at first put simply as stop , the adverb up being added only in the early 1700s.

Example Sentences

It kept the men of the Essex busy enough to pump her out and stop up the holes, so that she should not go to the bottom.

From Project Gutenberg

It has been thought a dangerous thing in any State to stop up the vent of griefs.

From Project Gutenberg

During the day these insects stop up their holes with sand, and only come out in the night.

From Project Gutenberg

And what can it be, that can so fill thy mind as to stop up all its entrances?

From Project Gutenberg

"Gentlemen, the hounds can't get out, if you will stop up the gate," said Sir William.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arrest
• bar
• blockade
• clog
• close
• close off
• cut off
• deter
• halt
• hinder
• hold up
• impede
• intercept
• prevent
• stall
• stop
• thwart