on hold

• on-hold (directly before a noun only)

on hold

1. (idiomatic) Delayed; postponed; suspended.

   This project is on hold until we can get more information.

2. Waiting on a telephone call.

   I have been on hold for 45 minutes listening to a recording about how important my call is to them.

3. On reserve; being held for someone.

   I have a book on hold for me at the library.

4. Pertaining to a telephone hold state.
   • 1999, New Scientist

     Now James Kellaris, a professor of marketing at the University of Cincinnati, reports that the sexes respond differently to onhold^[sic] music.

• hold on

• hold on