Holding pattern and Holdup

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

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

Holdup

Holdup noun - An instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business.
Usage example: a holdup in construction due to the weather

Holding pattern and holdup are semantically related. You can use "Holding pattern" instead a noun "Holdup".
Cite this Source
Holdup and Holding pattern. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/holdup
Holding pattern & Holdup. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/holdup>.
Holdup or Holding pattern. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/holdup.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "holding pattern" and "holdup" have occurred on timeline