hold up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "hold up crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "hold up crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ROB: To steal from, often by force or threat, fitting the "hold up a bank" meaning.
5 Letters
DELAY: To cause to be late or to wait, fitting "hold up traffic."
STALL: To delay or hinder progress, similar to DELAY, often implying an intentional stoppage.
7 Letters
SUPPORT: To bear the weight of; to hold something in position, fitting "hold up a roof."
SUSTAIN: To maintain or keep in existence; to bear (a burden or weight), similar to support, implies continued action.
More About "hold up crossword clue"
The phrase "hold up" is a versatile one in the English language, making it a popular choice for crossword setters who enjoy clues with multiple potential interpretations. Depending on the context, "hold up" can refer to a criminal act, a delay, or the act of providing physical or emotional support. This ambiguity is precisely what makes it a challenging yet rewarding clue to solve.
When encountering "hold up" in a crossword, experienced solvers immediately consider these different facets. Is the puzzle leaning towards a verb meaning "to delay" or "to rob"? Or perhaps it's an architectural context, implying "to support"? The number of letters in the answer grid is often the first vital hint, narrowing down the possibilities significantly. Beyond that, scrutinizing intersecting letters from other clues will usually pinpoint the exact word required to complete the grid.
Understanding these multiple meanings and cross-referencing them with the puzzle's structure is the key to mastering clues like "hold up." Our comprehensive list provides the most common solutions, helping you navigate these semantic subtleties with confidence.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of letters required first. This is the most crucial filter for ambiguous clues like "hold up."
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For common phrases, think of all possible dictionary definitions. Crossword setters love to play on words with dual or triple meanings.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends in narrowing down options.
- Identify Wordplay: Sometimes "hold up" might be part of a pun or a specific type of wordplay. Pay attention to cryptic indicators if it's that type of puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common meanings of "hold up" in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, "hold up" can have several interpretations, including to delay, to rob (as in a bank hold-up), or to support/sustain something physically or metaphorically. The context of the puzzle is key.
How can I determine the correct "hold up" answer from multiple possibilities?
To determine the correct answer, consider the number of letters required, any intersecting letters from other clues, and the overall theme or specific setter's style in the puzzle. The surrounding clues often provide crucial hints.
Are there other synonyms for "hold up" often used in crosswords?
Besides the common answers like DELAY, ROB, and SUPPORT, you might encounter synonyms such as IMPEDE, BEAR, PROP, ARREST, or MAINTAIN, depending on the specific nuance implied by the clue. Always consider the precise meaning within the puzzle's context.