Be holed up Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Refuge During Trouble Often means someone is avoiding trouble or hiding after doing something wrong. The smuggler was holed up in a cabin to evade the police. Pro Tip 2/3Extended Periods Implies staying in one place for a long time without leaving or being seen. He was holed up in his room all summer studying for exams. Pro Tip 3/3Seeking Safety Can indicate seeking protection from danger, like bad weather or a threat. During the hurricane, many people were holed up in shelters.