holdup
Translation
robbery, delay, traffic jam
Examples
The police are investigating the bank holdup.
The police are investigating the bank holdup.
Sorry I'm late, there was a holdup on the motorway.
Sorry I'm late, there was a holdup on the freeway.
Grammar Patterns
a holdup at ((a place)) a robbery at (a place) There was a holdup at the post office.
a holdup on ((a road)) a delay on (a road) There was a holdup on the M25.
Similar Words
Synonyms: robbery, delay, traffic jam
Etymology
From the phrasal verb 'to hold up', meaning to stop/delay, or to rob at gunpoint.
Memory Tips
Picture a robber shouting 'Hold 'em up!' or traffic being 'held up' and stopped.