holding pattern

Definition of Holding Pattern in English :

1. holding pattern

a state of inaction with no progress and no change

Example Sentences:
'you should go into a holding pattern until he gets over his disappointment'

2. holding pattern

the flight path (usually circular) maintained by an aircraft that is awaiting permission to land

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Holding Pattern

noun

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

1.

the course an airplane takes while circling an airport waiting for clearance to land

2.

any period or state in which progress is interrupted or delayed

n.

1. A usually oval pattern flown by aircraft awaiting clearance to land at an airport.

2. Informal A state of waiting or delay; a static situation: environmental groups that wish to put oil exploration into a holding pattern.