Holdups Meaning in English
word · lemma: holdup
Definition
'Holdups' can mean armed robberies or unexpected delays that stop something from happening on time.
Usage & Nuances
Informal; 'holdups' as 'robberies' is more common in American English, while 'delays' meaning is frequent in both US and UK English. Be careful: 'holdup' for 'delay' is often plural and used with traffic, meetings, or schedules ('traffic holdups'). Do not confuse with 'hold up' (as a verb) meaning 'to support' or 'to delay'.
Example Sentences
Police are still investigating the recent series of holdups downtown.
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There were some holdups on the way to the airport.
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The bank had two holdups last year.
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We apologize for any holdups this may cause.
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My commute is full of unexpected holdups these days.
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With all these holdups in traffic, I might be late for work.
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