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."
separable
hold up as
B2 neutral separable transitive
To present someone or something as a model, ideal, or example for others to admire or follow
In plain English
Show someone or something to others as a great example
What does "hold up as" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically lift something so people can see it and label what it represents
Actually means
Show someone or something to others as a great example
Usage tip
Often used in speeches, journalism, and teaching. Can be used positively (a hero) or ironically (a warning). Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "hold up as"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
example model hero ideal standard symbol
How to conjugate "hold up as"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "hold up as" in the wild
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Other ways to say "hold up as"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
cite as display as offer as an example present as promote as put forward as
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