holdup holdup {n.} 1. Robbery. John fell victim to a highway holdup. 2. A delay, as on a crowded highway. Boy we're late! What's causing this holdup? Categories: add yours {n.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: H Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry