holding pattern
noun
a traffic pattern for aircraft at a specified location (holding point) where they are ordered to remain until permitted to land or proceed.
a state or period in which no progress or change is made or planned.
Origin of holding pattern
First recorded in 1950–55
Words nearby holding pattern
holding,
holding company,
holding furnace,
holding operation,
holding paddock,
holding pattern,
holding tank,
holdout,
holdover,
holdup,
holdup man
British Dictionary definitions for holding pattern
holding pattern
noun
the oval or circular path of an aircraft flying around an airport awaiting permission to land