holding pattern

holding pattern

1. Literally, of an aircraft, a continuous, generally circular flight pattern over an airport, as while awaiting clearance to land. Due to a security breach in the airport, our plane was kept in a holding pattern for nearly 45 minutes.
2. A state or condition of inactivity or stagnancy, leading to little or no change, advancement, or development. Relying solely on derivative sequels, many feel that the video game company has been in a holding pattern in recent years
See also: holding, pattern

in a holding pattern

1. Literally, of an aircraft, in a continuous, generally circular flight pattern over an airport, as while awaiting clearance to land. Due to a security breach in the airport, our plane was kept in a holding pattern for nearly 45 minutes.
2. In a state or condition of inactivity or stagnancy, leading to little or no change, advancement, or development. Relying solely on derivative sequels, many feel that the video game company has been in a holding pattern in recent years.
See also: holding, pattern
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • in a holding pattern
  • pattern
  • pull around to
  • pull around to (something or some place)
  • get (the) clearance to have (something)
  • up and away
  • circle around
  • push at
  • push at (someone or something)
  • and counting
References in periodicals archive
One question had to do with shortening DME legs in a holding pattern and she replied, "...
Hold VS. HILPT
And there's a lot of airspace available to the pilot assigned a holding pattern. Holding airspace consists of four areas relative to the holding fix.
Hold me, thrill me: if you're doing them right, holds are anything but thrilling. but they can be useful at times
Rosenthal's vestibule as his assistant is that he is in a holding pattern for the post of foreign editor following angry words between Rosenthal and the present foreign editor, Warren Hoge.
Two horsepersons of Abe's apocalypse
M2 EQUITYBITES-June 13, 2019-Nokian Tyres reports change in share holding pattern
Nokian Tyres reports change in share holding pattern
NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT-June 13, 2019-Nokian Tyres reports change in share holding pattern
Nokian Tyres reports change in share holding pattern
Global Banking News-June 13, 2019-Nokian Tyres reports change in share holding pattern
Nokian Tyres reports change in share holding pattern
The December 2019 contract at 97.53 (2.47%) implies risk of a dip into the current 2.25-2.50% Fed funds target range, while the Fed is still seen in its holding pattern.
Euro$ interest rate futures have firmed
M2 PHARMA-January 4, 2018-Zealand Pharma reports on change in share holding pattern
Zealand Pharma reports on change in share holding pattern
Tommy Carberry 75 four-time champion jump jockey; Barry Geraghty 37 champion jump jockey 1999-2000 & 2003-04; Joe Byrne 62 champion jump jockey 1979; Jan Pubben 73 former champion trainer in the Netherlands; Rod Simpson 71 trainer of Bajan Sunshine & Brunico; Tyrone Williams 50 rider of Double Eclipse & Far Ahead; Sam Hitchcott 34 rider of Naahy & Missoula; Mike Miceli 69 rider of Holding Pattern; Goncalo Torrealba 56 owner of Much Better & Leroidesanimaux; Steve Sexton 57 president of Churchill Downs 2002-09; Gerry Kelly 85 former jump jockey & trainer; Tracey Barfoot-Saunt 50 Wotton-under-Edge trainer; John Henwood 68 owner of You Know The Rules & Angelo's Double; Sean Mulcaire 46 travelling head lad to Philip Hobbs; Tom Goff (pictured) 50 bloodstock agent
BIRTHDAYS
Having spent over an hour onboard a flight that was put into a holding pattern over Abu Dhabi before touching down, I must congratulate the airport on the creation of a logo that captures that sense of going round in circles again and again and again...
The Spin
Acting general secretary Dr Adam Marshall said: "Our latest survey results suggest that the UK economy is in a holding pattern. While the picture is static overall, there are clear indications that economic growth is continuing to soften."
GROWTH WARNING; ECONOMY TODAY
It's common for a student with whom I'm flying for the first time to ask if he/ she needs to fly a "full turn" around the holding pattern, or if it's okay to continue inbound on the approach once intercepting the inbound course.
Common holding errors: some common mistakes and misconceptions made by IFR students
Although the unit holding pattern is highly concentrated with top ten investors holding around 98% of fund's assets, comfort can be drawn from significant group/related party holdings.
-PACRA rates Alfalah GHP Income Multiplier Fund at BBB+(f)
Washington, July 29 (ANI): A new study has found that once fish evolve the size and speed needed to become top predators, natural selection keeps them in an evolutionary holding pattern, that is, they evolve more slowly.
Once fish evolve into top predators, they evolve more slowly
PRINCETON, NJ -- Consumer attitudes are in a holding pattern at levels slightly better than in mid March, with 39% calling current economic conditions "poor" and just over 80% saying they are getting worse in Gallup Poll Daily tracking.
Gallup Daily: Consumer Attitudes Stabilize; Still Negative; Based on polling conducted March 27-29, 2008