holding pattern

English

Pronunciation
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Noun

holding pattern (plural holding patterns)

  1. A path taken by an aircraft waiting to land.
    The plane flew in a holding pattern for half an hour because one runway was closed.
  2. (idiomatic) Any failure to advance; useless or unproductive activity.
    This project is in a holding pattern until all the parts arrive.

Translations
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