holding pattern noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of holding pattern noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

holding pattern

noun

1the route a plane travels in while it is flying above the landing place, waiting for permission to land

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2a situation of no progress or change when all you can do is wait

See holding pattern in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Check pronunciation: holding pattern