English noun: holding pattern | |||
1. | holding pattern (state) a state of inaction with no progress and no change | ||
Samples | You should go into a holding pattern until he gets over his disappointment. | ||
Broader (hypernym) | inaction, inactiveness, inactivity | ||
2. | holding pattern (location) the flight path (usually circular) maintained by an aircraft that is awaiting permission to land | ||
Broader (hypernym) | air lane, airway, flight path, skyway | ||