holding pattern

holding-pattern的词性：
n.（名词）

1. A usually circular pattern flown by aircraft awaiting clearance to land at an airport.
椭圆形盘旋：飞机在机场上空等待腾出着陆跑道所做的圆形飞行

2. Informal A state of waiting or delay; a static situation:
【非正式用语】 等待或延迟的状态；停滞：

Environmental groups have succeeded in putting the nuclear industry into a holding pattern.
环境保护主义者成功地使核工业进入了停滞阶段