holding pattern

Từ điển WordNet v3.1 - WordNet Dictionary

noun

1. a state of inaction with no progress and no change
- you should go into a holding pattern until he gets over his disappointment
• Hypernyms:
inaction, inactivity, inactiveness
2. the flight path (usually circular) maintained by an aircraft that is awaiting permission to land
• Hypernyms:
air lane, flight path, airway, skyway