Sound and Sense, 14

Our English dictionary has in it many words whose sounds and meanings can … confuse. In this next series of doggerel, I’ll be writing about several sorts of such words.

The first—the contronym: a word, says the Oxford English Dictionary, that has “two opposite or contradictory meanings.”

Earliest published use: 1962.

hold up verb

1. to support

2. to impede

She held me up when I was down—

She saved me when I thought I’d drown.

For me, she wore a wedding gown.

Then cheated—every guy in town!

**

He held up progress—every way—

Until we all began to say:

“There is no way that we can stay

In your employ.” And he said, “Hey,

You’re fired!” (Our boss just not play.)