student asking question

What does "what's the holdup" mean? When can I use this expression?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"What's the holdup?" is slang for "what's taking you so long," "what's the problem," or "what's the reason for the delay?" You can use this expression in informal situations when something/someone is taking longer than expected, or when there has been a delay in something. Ex: A: What's the holdup? Where did our friends go? B: An ice cream truck drove by. I think they went to buy some ice cream. Ex: A: What's the holdup? The line for movie tickets is taking so long. B: I think there was an issue with the cash register.

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