holding pattern

noun

1. a traffic pattern for aircraft at a specified location holding point where they are ordered to remain until permitted to land or proceed.
2. a state or period in which no progress or change is made or planned.

holding pattern

noun

1. the oval or circular path of an aircraft flying around an airport awaiting permission to land

Word History and Origins

Origin of holding pattern¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

In “Emilia Pérez,” as in many Audiard films, a new life, no matter how emboldening, is merely a holding pattern until the past comes roaring back.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’re still in a holding pattern, watching this fire evolve,” Johnson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Like me, Mirch repeated the entire process, got the same result the second time around, and was in a DMV online holding pattern for 45 minutes, waiting for help.

From Los Angeles Times

In Europe, the UK and US – economies that had not experienced inflation issues for decades – officials have been in a holding pattern, keeping rates at decades-highs levels.

From BBC

“The box office has been in a holding pattern 20% down from last year.”

From Seattle Times