# holding pattern

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/holding-pattern
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Any failure to advance; useless or unproductive activity.

## Examples

- The project is in a holding pattern right now.
- The negotiations are stuck in a holding pattern until the lawyers finish reviewing the documents.
- With funding frozen and no clear direction from leadership, the entire department had lapsed into a holding pattern, marking time until someone made a decision.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.