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.
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
Many of the software startups that launched in the early 2010s, Medina said, aren’t growing fast enough to elicit any real interest from public-market investors, putting them in a holding pattern.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
The Flightradar24 tracking website earlier showed planes circling above the airport in an apparent holding pattern.
From Barron's ● Mar. 8, 2026
So, as it stands, both Jersey and the Isle of Man are in a holding pattern, waiting for their respective assisted dying bills to get pass into law.
From BBC ● Feb. 26, 2026
The school week is like a holding pattern.
From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King
