Pronunciation: [hˈə͡ʊlʌps] (IPA) 
The word "holeups" is not commonly used and may be unfamiliar to many. Its correct spelling is "hideouts," which means a place used for hiding or taking refuge. The irregular spelling of "holeups" may be confusing to some, but it follows the standard pronunciation rules in English. The IPA phonetic transcription for "hideouts" is /haɪd.aʊts/, which represents the sounds of each individual letter and their combination in the word.
"Holeups" is a slang term that typically refers to a situation or state of being where someone or something is holed up or confined in a place, often for an extended period of time, while avoiding or hiding from something or someone. It can also describe a place that serves as a temporary refuge or hideout, usually due to some underlying threat or danger.
This informal expression commonly implies a defensive action taken by an individual or a group seeking protection or privacy. One might "hole up" in a cabin during a snowstorm, "hole up" in a bunker for safety during a military conflict, or even "hole up" in their room to study or relax away from others.
The term "holeups" often invokes the idea of isolation or seclusion, as individuals who are holed up tend to limit their interactions with the outside world. It may suggest a sense of being disconnected or temporarily cut off from society or the normal course of events.
This term can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone's choice to "hole up" in a hotel room during a business trip to focus on work, or an individual being forced to "hole up" in their home due to a pandemic or other emergency.
Overall, "holeups" signifies a situation where individuals or entities retreat to a confined space as a means of self-preservation or self-isolation, usually because of external factors or circumstances.
