On hold Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈhoʊɫd
ON HOHLD
ˈɒn/ /hˈəʊld
ON HOHLD
Definition
When something is temporarily stopped or delayed, often until more information or a decision is made. Also used for phone calls when you must wait to speak to someone.
Usage & Nuances
Common in business, customer service, and phone calls ('put someone on hold'). Informal and neutral. Not used for permanent stops (use 'canceled'). Can describe projects, plans, or conversations.
Spanish: en espera - en pausaPortuguese (BR): em espera - em pausaPortuguese (PT): em espera - em pausaChinese (Simplified): 等待中 - 暂停Chinese (Traditional): 等待中 - 暫停Hindi: प्रतीक्षा में - रोक परArabic: قيد الانتظار - مؤجلBengali: স্থগিত - অপেক্ষমাণRussian: на удержании - приостановленJapanese: 保留中 - 一時停止Vietnamese: tạm hoãn - chờ xử lýKorean: 보류 - 대기Turkish: beklemede - askıdaUrdu: التواء میں - انتظار میںIndonesian: ditahan - dalam antrean
Example Sentences
My order is on hold until next week.
basic
The project is on hold because of funding issues.
basic
Please stay on hold. An agent will be with you soon.
basic
They put my call on hold for ten minutes!
natural
Our vacation plans are on hold until we know more about the weather.
natural
If the manager isn’t available, they’ll keep your request on hold for now.
natural