on hold

1. In a state of temporary interruption, but not disconnection, during a telephone call, as in While I was on hold, I checked my calendar for when I could schedule a meeting , or They had to put me on hold while they looked up my account . [c. 1960]

2. In a state of postponement or delay, as in When she was transferred, they had to put their romance on hold . This figurative usage is a broadened sense of def. 1. [ Colloquial ; c. 1970]

Example Sentences

The 38-year-old is "scratching at the door" to move after three years in supported housing, which she said had affected her mental health and left her feeling like her life was on hold.

From BBC

Economists have warned that such tariffs could drive up consumer prices as companies pass on higher costs, potentially worsening inflation and putting further interest rate cuts on hold.

From Salon

But boy, she sure put her personal life on hold for decades, and that I found interesting.

From Los Angeles Times

Van Nistelrooy has repeatedly stated that Manchester United are the only club he would put his managerial ambitions on hold for by accepting an assistant's job.

From BBC

A state case against him for allegedly conspiring to interfere with Georgia’s election in 2020 will go on hold until after his term in office ends - if it's still alive by then.

From BBC

Related Words

• dormant
• dull
• idle
• immobile
• inoperative
• jobless
• passive
• sedentary
• sluggish
• static
• unemployed
• unused