holding pattern

American  

noun

1. a traffic pattern for aircraft at a specified location holding 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.

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holding pattern British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of holding pattern

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Instead, until officials know whether the inflationary effects of the Iran war will be contained or broad-based, the central bank seems to be stuck in a holding pattern.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The region’s major investors are in a holding pattern and haven’t announced changes to their investment strategies, Walters said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

So, as it stands, both Jersey and the Isle of Man are in a holding pattern, waiting for their respective assisted dying bills to get pass into law.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Most aircraft had already been rerouted around the closed airspace, but the agency said it diverted one plane and put another in a holding pattern for 24 minutes.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2026

The school week is like a holding pattern.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King