In a holding pattern
adverb phrase
In abeyance; not in an active status; on the back burner
[1950s+; fr the aviation term, found by 1948, for airplanes that are flying a prescribed circling route while awaiting clearance to land]
Read Also:
- In a huff
adjective phrase Angry; petulant; grumpy [1694+; fr a huff or gust of anger] In an offended manner, angrily, as in When he left out her name, she stalked out in a huff. This idiom transfers huff in the sense of a gust of wind to a burst of anger. [ Late 1600s ] Also see: […]
- In a jam
adjective phrase In trouble, esp serious trouble: If you’re in a jam, he’ll fight for you (1914+) see: in a bind
- In a jif
Related Terms a jiffy
- Ina jo
specification, language [FDM?] [“The Ina Jo Specification Language Reference Manual”, J. Scheid et al, TR TM-(L)-6021/001/00, SDC Mar 1985]. (2000-02-24)
- In a lather
adjective phrase Angry; upset; in a sweat: this business of your being in a lather about it/ The editors say they are not in a lava over the coincidence [1828+; fr the resemblance between an agitated sweat, esp the frothy sweat of horses, and frothy washing lather thought of as the result of vigorous agitation; […]