Techniques for fixing hold violations using metal-programmable cells are described herein. In one embodiment, a system comprises a first flip-flop, a second flip-flop, and a data path between the first and second flip-flops. The system further comprises a metal-programmable cell connected to the data path, wherein the metal-programmable cell is programmed to implement at least one capacitor to add a capacitive load to the data path. The capacitive load adds delay to the data path that prevents a hold violation at one of the first and second flip-flops.