The phrase "has a hold up on" means that something is preventing or delaying progress. There are various other synonyms that can be used to convey the same meaning. These include "hindering," "impeding," "blocking," "stalling," "obstructing," "slowing down," "delaying," "hampering," "retarding," and "thwarting." Depending on the context, some of these synonyms may be more appropriate than others. It's essential to choose the right synonym that fits the tone and context of the sentence to ensure that the meaning is conveyed effectively.