How is holding up

The question could be asked of - or about - anyone who has had a difficult experience of any kind. Bill has just discovered that his wife has run off with his lover. Mavis and Julie are talking about poor old Bill. Mavis might ask Julie, "How's he holding up? Panjandrum, thank you. How do you use it? Do you often use it in such a situation? Is it the right question you would often ask when you are suspecting the sad person might kill himself or do something bad or unusual out of desperation?

Or is it a polite way of asking "Are you okay" to a saddened person? Sorry if my question is too much in detail, but as you know this kind of situation requires a very subtle treatment. Thank you in advance. Midland said:. Click to expand Thanks you, panjandrum. I wouldn't use "holding up" much, if at all, and I certainly wouldn't use it in the extreme situation you describe.

In fact, the more I think about it, the more certain I am that I wouldn't use it directly to anyone. I would only use it in the context I set out in my previous post. In BE the standard question is very simple - How are you? Kitchener-Waterloo Record 1.

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Get Word of the Day daily email! Test Your Vocabulary. Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words? Love words? Need even more definitions? Just between us: it's complicated. Ask the Editors 'Everyday' vs. His single mom must work and it is crucial he be in school with trained teachers. We are nervous. Still, I do it because I want to look out for my health and the health of others around me.

I am now struggling to live on the very low unemployment compensation. If no additional federal supplement money is made available, I will be evicted soon. It was crushing. Fortunately, about two months later, he was reactivated again because the transplant center moved to an enclosed environment.

But we have received no joyous call, as finding a donor can take years, and in the meantime, he spends 12 hours per week in a setting for dialysis. We hold our breath. If they only saw us before, instead of over-the-phone appointments, the story could be different.

Truly, I really need a hug. Most of us in the death industry accept that we have a thankless job, but we could use some recognition, too. Thank goodness for all hospital personnel -- not just doctors and nurses, but death care workers are in the fray also! And to top it off, we are having a difficult time getting the PPE and cleaning supplies we need, and my suppliers tell me hospitals are getting the priority right now.