student asking question

Is there a difference in saying between "hold up" and "hold on?"

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

There is a slight difference! "Hold on" is used to ask someone to wait, whereas "hold up," asks someone to stop or delay what they're doing, or it can indicate a delay. "Hold on" also has a gentler tone to it than "hold up." Ex: There's been a hold-up with the new orders. => a delay Ex: Hold on, George! I need to talk to you about something. Ex: Hold up. I never said that I was angry. => indicates to stop or pause the conversation

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