holding pattern: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “holding pattern” mean?
In aviation, a predetermined flight path that an aircraft follows while waiting for permission to land.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In aviation, a predetermined flight path that an aircraft follows while waiting for permission to land.
A state in which progress or action is temporarily suspended, and a situation remains static while awaiting further developments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of frustration or inefficiency in both varieties when used metaphorically.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in the metaphorical sense, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “holding pattern” in a Sentence
be + in + a + holding patternput/place + something + in + a + holding patternremain/stay + in + a + holding patternVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holding pattern” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The aircraft was instructed to hold in a pattern over Gatwick.
- The enquiry has been held in a pattern for months.
American English
- The plane was told to hold in a pattern over O'Hare.
- The bill is being held in a pattern in committee.
adverb
British English
- The plane circled holding-pattern style for an hour.
- The team worked holding-pattern slow due to the directive.
American English
- The jet flew holding-pattern-like above the city.
- Progress moved holding-pattern slow.
adjective
British English
- The holding-pattern phase of the flight lasted forty minutes.
- We're in a holding-pattern situation with the suppliers.
American English
- The holding-pattern instructions came from the control tower.
- It's a holding-pattern economy right now.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The merger has been in a holding pattern pending regulatory approval.
Academic
The research project entered a holding pattern due to funding uncertainties.
Everyday
Our holiday plans are in a holding pattern until we know if we can get the time off.
Technical
Flight BA287 is in a holding pattern over Heathrow due to congestion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holding pattern”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holding pattern”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holding pattern”
- Using 'holding position' interchangeably (less idiomatic for the metaphor).
- Omitting the article 'a' (e.g., 'in holding pattern').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is formal/technical in its literal aviation sense but is now widely used in general, semi-formal contexts for its metaphorical meaning.
Rarely. It typically carries neutral or negative connotations of delay, inefficiency, or frustration.
A 'holding pattern' suggests a temporary, often imposed, pause while waiting for external resolution. A 'deadlock' implies a more active, mutual blockage where opposing parties cannot agree.
Metaphorically, by receiving clearance or a decision that allows progress to resume (e.g., 'The board's vote finally got the project out of its holding pattern').
In aviation, a predetermined flight path that an aircraft follows while waiting for permission to land.
Holding pattern: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊl.dɪŋ ˈpæt.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊl.dɪŋ ˈpæt̬.ɚn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be in a holding pattern”
- “To put something into a holding pattern”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an aircraft drawing circles (a pattern) in the sky while holding (waiting) to land.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/ACTIVITY IS A JOURNEY (and a delay is being stuck circling an airport).
Practice
Quiz
In its metaphorical sense, 'holding pattern' primarily implies: