on hold

Something is delayed or stopped for a while, usually until a problem is solved.

• Our plans are on hold.
• They put the project on hold after losing their funding.
• Will the talks remain on hold until next week?

How to use it: put something on hold (They put construction on hold until spring.)

Similar words: paused, suspended, postponed

Common phrases: put something on hold, plans on hold

You are waiting during a phone call for someone to speak to you.

• I am on hold.
• She put me on hold while she checked my account.
• How long have you been on hold?

How to use it: keep someone on hold (The company kept me on hold for ten minutes.)

Common phrases: put someone on hold, wait on hold

Something is being kept for a particular person, so other people cannot take it.

• Your book is on hold.
• The shop kept the dress on hold for Anna.
• Is that copy still on hold for another reader?

How to use it: on hold for someone (The library has a copy on hold for me.)

Similar words: reserved, set aside

Common phrases: book on hold, on hold for someone

Describes music, messages, or other features used while callers wait to speak to someone.

• The company changed its on-hold music.
• Our on-hold messages tell callers when the office closes.
• Can we turn down the on-hold recording?

Common phrases: on hold music, on hold messages