Holdup

The term 'holdup' refers to a delay or obstruction that hinders progress, often used in informal contexts to describe situations where activities are paused or transactions are interrupted. In a more specific sense, it can also refer to a robbery, especially when force or intimidation is used to seize cash or valuables from individuals or establishments. It can denote any state of being held up or deferred.

Holdup meaning with examples

• During the meeting, there was a significant holdup in the discussion due to a technical glitch with the presentation. This unexpected issue caused everyone to wait in silence until the problem was resolved, which ultimately wasted valuable time that could have been spent addressing key agenda items.
• The police reported a holdup at the local gas station last night, where armed robbers threatened the clerk and demanded cash. Fortunately, no one was harmed during the incident, and authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage to identify the suspects involved in the crime.
• Our road trip was affected by a holdup caused by construction on the highway, leading to a long line of cars waiting for the lane to reopen. This delay meant we arrived at our destination much later than planned, and we had to adjust our schedule accordingly to make the most of the remaining time.
• When Sam tried to finalize his loan application, he encountered a holdup due to missing documentation that was required by the bank. This setback not only prolonged the approval process but also left him feeling frustrated as he scrambled to gather the necessary papers to avoid further delays.