holding pattern
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.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and his seemingly supernatural competence at both city management and marketing, has laid a blueprint for kitchen-table progressives looking to bust out of the Trump-era holding pattern.
From Salon ● Aug. 29, 2026
After the chaos of Ben Stokes' retirement and the sacking of Brendon McCullum, England are in a strange holding pattern.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
I contacted the other driver’s insurance company, and they said they’re waiting for the accident report before moving forward — so I’m basically in a holding pattern.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 3, 2026
Many manufacturers, retailers, importers and others are being thrust back into a holding pattern reminiscent of last year, when uncertainty over tariffs made even the basics of business hard to figure out.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 20, 2026
The school week is like a holding pattern.
From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King
