1
general::
Phrase(s): wait up (until something)
to delay going to bed until a certain time or until something happens or someone arrives. • Are you going to wait up until midnight? • We waited up until we heard him come in the back door., Phrase(s): Wait up (a minute)!
Wait for me while I catch up with you! • Tom, who was following Mary down the street, said, "Wait up a minute! I need to talk to you." • John: Hey, Sally! Wait up! Sally: What’s happening?, Phrase(s): wait up (for someone or something)
1. Fig. to stay up late waiting for someone to arrive or something to happen. • I’ll be home late. Don’t wait up for me. • We waited up for the coming of the new year, and then we went to bed. 2. and hold up (for someone or something) Fig. to wait for someone or something to catch up. • Hey! Don’t go so fast. Wait up for me. • Hold up! You’re going too fast.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Postpone going to bed in anticipation of someone or something, as in My parents always wait up until I get home, no matter how late it is. [Mid-1800s] 2. Stop or pause so that another can catch up, as in Let's wait up for the stragglers, or Don't walk so fast; wait up for me. [Colloquial]
American Heritage Idioms