hold up as
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
Show someone or something to others as a great example
Literal meaning: To physically lift something so people can see it and label what it represents
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To present a person or thing as a positive model or ideal that others should admire or imitate
"She is often held up as an example of perseverance in the face of adversity."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
To present someone or something as a cautionary example or warning
"The failed merger was held up as a lesson in the dangers of overexpansion."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often used in speeches, journalism, and teaching. Can be used positively (a hero) or ironically (a warning). Common in both British and American English.
Commonly used with
example model hero ideal standard symbol
Forms
Base
hold up as
I/you/we/they
3rd person
holds up as
he/she/it
Past simple
held up as
yesterday
Past participle
held up as
have + pp
-ing form
holding up as
continuous
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Synonyms
present as cite as display as offer as an example put forward as promote as
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