holds, held, holding
to hold up
phrasal verbC
To delay or slow down progress or movement
- 1The traffic held up our journey.
- 2The meeting was held up by technical issues.
Imagine you are driving and suddenly you see a red light. The red light is holding up your progress because you have to stop and wait. In the same way, when something holds up progress, it delays or slows down movement or development.
When something holds up progress, it's like hitting a speed bump on the road. Remember, just like you slow down to navigate a speed bump, you may need to adjust your plans to overcome delays.
at an exhibition
The Late Arrival
Jason
Sorry I'm late, the traffic really held me up.
Lisa
No worries, I just got here a few minutes ago.
Jason
Have you seen the new collection yet?
Lisa
Not yet, I was waiting for you to start.
at the grocery store
The Checkout Delay
Ronald
Kimberly, why are you still in line?
Kimberly
The cashier is new, so it's holding up the line.
Ronald
Oh, I see. I hope it speeds up soon.
Kimberly
Me too, I have ice cream that's melting!
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Similar to "to hold up":
- 1delay
- 2hinder