on hold
Idioms-
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]
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Now that combination — which boasts a combined 236½ sacks — is on hold.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 2026
Some analysts say one rate boost before the end of 2026 is possible, while others argue the drag coming to growth from U.S.-Canada trade tensions could persuade the Bank of Canada to remain on hold.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
Last week, a US appeals court refused to put Judge Talwani's order on hold.
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026
But Talwani again put the Postal Service plans on hold.
From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026
I put him on hold and started for the door.
From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
