hole up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hole up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of hiding or seeking refuge, often for a period of time. Example: "During the storm, we decided to hole up in the basement until it passed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Better hole up.

The New Yorker

Some hole up in their rooms.

The New York Times

I'm not going to hole up with Mark.

The New Yorker

The players prefer to hole up in their rooms.

The New York Times

Hole up at Tintin (Engelbrektsgatan 22), the 24-hour eaterie.

The Guardian - Travel

"Hole up!" someone yelled, a hand shooting down to warn.

The New York Times - Travel

I'm convinced he'll hole up in a cosy pub.

The Guardian - Travel

You could hole up there, a spy, like Orwell.

The Guardian - Money

Guests can hole up, wander the grounds or gaze at the Dordogne from the infinity pool.

Independent

Then I'll hole up like Colonel Kurtz and just watch all the action".

The New Yorker

"They'll probably figure they'll hole up and live to fight another day," said Capt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hole up" to describe a temporary retreat or hiding, especially when seeking refuge from external conditions or disturbances.

Common error

While "hole up" is widely understood, it is less appropriate for formal or professional writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "take shelter" or "seek refuge" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hole up" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating an action performed by the subject without acting on a direct object. It describes the act of seeking refuge or hiding in a particular place. As shown by Ludwig, it's often used to describe temporary retreats.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "hole up" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes seeking refuge or hiding in a particular place. It is most frequently found in news and travel contexts, carrying a neutral to informal tone. While versatile, more formal options like "take shelter" or "seek refuge" may be more appropriate in certain settings. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is generally used to describe temporary retreats, whether from a storm or a difficult situation. Therefore, understand the context of your writing and select the vocabulary accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take shelter

Focuses on finding a safe place from immediate danger or discomfort. The emphasis is slightly more on the act of seeking protection.

hide out

Implies concealing oneself, often to evade pursuit or detection. Conveys a stronger sense of secrecy.

seclude oneself

Highlights the act of withdrawing from society or contact with others, often for personal reasons. More formal in tone.

go into hiding

Emphasizes the state of being hidden, often due to fear or necessity. Suggests a more prolonged period of seclusion.

withdraw

Suggests a retreat or drawing back from a situation or environment. Less specific about the reason for withdrawal.

go to ground

Suggests disappearing or becoming inaccessible, often to avoid detection. Carries a slightly more clandestine connotation.

lie low

Indicates avoiding attention or remaining inconspicuous, typically to avoid trouble. Focuses on minimizing visibility.

sequester oneself

Similar to seclude oneself, but can imply confinement. More formal.

cocoon

Emphasizes the feeling of safety and comfort while isolating oneself.

nest

Implies creating a comfortable, safe, and nurturing environment to stay within.

FAQs

How can I use "hole up" in a sentence?

You can use "hole up" to describe seeking refuge or hiding in a place, like: "We decided to "hole up" in the cabin during the storm".

What does it mean to "hole up" somewhere?

To ""hole up"" means to go to a place and remain there, often to hide or seek shelter. It implies a temporary retreat from outside activity.

Are there any synonyms for "hole up"?

Yes, some synonyms for "hole up" include "take shelter", "hide out", and "seclude oneself", depending on the specific context.

Is "hole up" appropriate for formal writing?

While ""hole up"" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "take refuge" or "seek shelter".