Usage of expressions: hold up; chew through

[KLPNO]

Hi everyone.

I'd like to ask a question about the phrases 'hold up' and 'chew through'.

"Thanks, Sandra. Keep me posted. How's General Granger holding up?"
Telfair lookede serious. "Chewing through his desk, like usual."
"Jack's never been happy unless he has something to worry about." Harkin let out a very long breath. "Let's just hope he's worrying about nothing."

My guesses are: How's Granger holding up means how is he doing and the asker thinks that Granger has difficult time.

Chewing through his desk means that he sits at his desk and thinks a lot.

Am I correct?

[Mister Micawber]

.
Here, 'hold up' = successfully endure; maintain one's position or resist difficulty.

'Chewing through his desk' is not an idiom, but a humorous image created (probably) by this writer. It means that the General is very angry, worried or frustrated.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[KLPNO]

Thank you very much, Mister Micawber!!!