Holding pattern and Holdback

Holding pattern

Holding pattern noun - An instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business.
Usage example: the couple has been trapped in this holding pattern for six months, as adoption officials create more red tape

Holdback and holding pattern are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Holdback" instead a noun phrase "Holding pattern".

Holdback

Holdback noun - An instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business.
Usage example: there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed

Holding pattern and holdback are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Holding pattern" instead a noun "Holdback".

Nearby Words: hold, holding
Cite this Source
Holdback and Holding pattern. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/holdback
Holding pattern & Holdback. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/holdback>.
Holdback or Holding pattern. 2016. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/holdback.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "holding pattern" and "holdback" have occurred on timeline