holding pattern noun
plural ∼ -terns [count] : a course flown by an aircraft while waiting for permission to land
▪ Our plane was in a holding pattern for almost an hour because of the fog. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The company has put production in a holding pattern [=has temporarily stopped production] while better testing methods are developed.
▪ Our plane was in a holding pattern for almost an hour because of the fog. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The company has put production in a holding pattern [=has temporarily stopped production] while better testing methods are developed.
