Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

holding-pattern

noun

ˈhoʊldɪŋ ˌpætərn

Definition

A holding pattern is a flight maneuver in which an aircraft flies in a circle while waiting for permission to land or for other circumstances to change.

Examples

The plane entered a holding pattern due to bad weather conditions at the airport.
After finishing the project, she felt like she was in a holding pattern until her next assignment arrived.

Meaning

In a broader sense, it refers to a situation where someone or something is temporarily in a state of waiting, unable to move forward with progress or change.