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.
Bank of Japan is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold next week to examine the effects of its previous hike.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua has had a massive contract extension put on hold by the Rams.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
Key to how Morgan Stanley sees things panning out is the non-consensus view of the investment bank’s economists who believe the Fed will stay on hold in 2026.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026
Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG, said the "subdued" wage growth made it more likely that the Bank of England would keep interest rates on hold at 3.75% when it meets next week.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
On January 4,1982, he did, officially putting the memorial on hold until further notice.
From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge
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.
