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holding pattern

NOUN
waiting path or place
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fulham are now very much in a Premier League holding pattern.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

U.S. rates markets were moving from acute escalation risk toward a cautious holding pattern after the U.S.-Iran cease-fire, but confidence in durability remains limited, the strategists said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The bond market has moved into a holding pattern while traders parse his past statements.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Most Fed watchers and investors also think the central bank will stay in a holding pattern until Powell’s second and last term as chairman ends in May.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

But the room, although dim, isn’t dark enough, so I switch my mind into the holding pattern that passes for attention.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood




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