holdup
Translation
robbery, delay, hold-up
Examples
There was a holdup at the bank today.
There was a hold-up at the bank today.
Sorry I'm late, there was a holdup in traffic.
Sorry I'm late, there was a hold-up in traffic.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) a robbery, often with a weapon There was a hold-up at the petrol station.
((sth.)) a delay or stoppage What's the hold-up with the project?
Similar Words
Synonyms: robbery, stick-up, delay, traffic jam
Etymology
From the phrasal verb 'to hold up', which can mean to rob (from 'hold up your hands!') or to delay.
Memory Tips
Picture a robber telling people to 'hold up' their hands, or traffic being 'held up' and delayed.