HOLDING PATTERN Meaning and
Definition
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A holding pattern refers to a state or condition of temporary suspension, delay, or inertia, where progress or advancement is thwarted, and there is a lack of forward movement. Derived from aviation, a holding pattern commonly refers to a maneuver employed by aircraft when they are instructed to maintain a specific location in the air while awaiting further instructions or clearance to land. Similarly, in a metaphorical sense, a holding pattern describes a situation where individuals or organizations find themselves restrained or restricted from proceeding because of external factors or uncertainties.
In a professional context, being in a holding pattern typically signifies a pause or stasis in a career or project due to circumstances beyond one's control. It may be a consequence of economic instability, organizational reshuffling, pending decisions, market fluctuations, or other impediments. This state often engenders a sense of frustration, uncertainty, or apathy, as individuals are unable to actively pursue their goals or make progress.
Furthermore, a holding pattern can also describe a mental or emotional state when someone is feeling stuck, indecisive, or lacking purpose. It implies being in a state of limbo or waiting for external cues or circumstances to change before taking definitive action or making crucial decisions.
Overall, whether referring to aviation or metaphorically, a holding pattern denotes being confined to a temporary state of inactivity or uncertainty, often leading to a desire or need for resolution, change, or a new direction.
Common Misspellings for HOLDING PATTERN
- golding pattern
- bolding pattern
- nolding pattern
- jolding pattern
- uolding pattern
- yolding pattern
- hilding pattern
- hklding pattern
- hllding pattern
- hplding pattern
- h0lding pattern
- h9lding pattern
- hokding pattern
- hopding pattern
- hooding pattern
- holsing pattern
- holxing pattern
- holcing pattern
- holfing pattern
- holring pattern
Etymology of HOLDING PATTERN
The word "holding pattern" comes from aviation terminology and refers to the circular flight path that an aircraft follows while waiting to land at an airport.
The term "holding" in this context is derived from the verb "to hold", which means to remain in one place or suspend an action temporarily. In air traffic control, aircraft are often placed in holding patterns to maintain a certain distance between them and allow for orderly traffic flow, especially when there is congestion or delays at an airport.
The word "pattern" refers to the predictable path followed by an aircraft while in a holding pattern. These patterns are designated by air traffic controllers and usually involve flying in a circular or oval shape around a specific fix or point.
So, the etymology of "holding pattern" is rooted in the concept of temporarily keeping an aircraft in a designated pattern or path until it can safely proceed with landing at the desired airport.
Idioms with the word HOLDING PATTERN
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in a holding pattern
The idiom "in a holding pattern" refers to a situation where someone or something is temporarily suspended or delayed, usually due to uncertainty or indecision. It can also imply being in a state of limbo or inactivity, awaiting further instructions, developments, or decisions.
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holding pattern
A holding pattern is a situation in which no progress or change is made, resulting in a state of temporary delay or inactivity.
Similar spelling words for HOLDING PATTERN
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