Hole up
verb
To stay in one place, usually in hiding, to avoid something or someone.
After the scandal, the politician holed up in his country home, avoiding the media.
Often appears as...
- hole up in a cave
- hole up in an apartment
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To take refuge, especially in a secure, hidden place for protection, rest, or storage.
During the blizzard, we had to hole up in the cabin for several days.
Often appears as...
- hole up for the winter
- hole up with supplies
verb
To stay in one place, usually in hiding, to avoid something or someone.
After the scandal, the politician holed up in his country home, avoiding the media.
Often appears as...
- hole up in a cave
- hole up in an apartment
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To take refuge, especially in a secure, hidden place for protection, rest, or storage.
During the blizzard, we had to hole up in the cabin for several days.
Often appears as...
- hole up for the winter
- hole up with supplies
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Avoidance Context
Use 'hole up' when someone avoids others by staying in one place, especially when they're in trouble or need privacy.
After the heated argument, she holed up in her studio for hours.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary Isolation
'Hole up' often refers to a short-term situation where a person stays away from others for a specific reason.
He's holing up at home until he gets over his cold.
Pro Tip 3/3Stressful Situations
'Hole up' can imply emotional distress or the need to escape from stress.
She's been holing up in her room all week, studying for finals.
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