holding pattern

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Treasury yields were little changed as ambiguous signals from the White House about the path forward in the Middle East keep traders in a holding pattern.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

So, as it stands, both Jersey and the Isle of Man are in a holding pattern, waiting for their respective assisted dying bills to get pass into law.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Seaport Research Partners’ David Joyce said the margin concerns were “overblown,” but added that shares ought to remain in likely in “a deal-related holding pattern for awhile.”

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

The FAA kept the debris response area, or DRA, active for another 71 minutes, leaving some flights in a holding pattern over the Caribbean.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2026

But the room, although dim, isn’t dark enough, so I switch my mind into the holding pattern that passes for attention.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood