holding pattern

/ˌhoʊldɪŋ ˌpædərn/
IPA guide

Definitions of holding pattern
  1. noun
    a state of inaction with no progress and no change
    “you should go into a holding pattern until he gets over his disappointment”
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    type of:
    inaction, inactiveness, inactivity
    the state of being inactive
  2. noun
    the flight path (usually circular) maintained by an aircraft that is awaiting permission to land
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    type of:
    air lane, airway, flight path, skyway
    a designated route followed by airplanes in flying from one airport to another
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