On hold means paused, waiting. On the phone: The receptionist put me on hold, so I waited on the line. In plans: Our relocation plans are on hold until we find a suitable office, so the move is frozen but not cancelled. Say how long the pause lasts with until: on hold until September.
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be on hold / put someone or something on hold
- The receptionist put me on hold while she checked the appointment.
- Our relocation plans are on hold until we find a suitable office.
- The exhibition was put on hold after the roof started leaking.
What changed
First versionOur relocation plans are in hold.
RevisionOur relocation plans are on hold.
In a queue, in waiting mode: in feels right, giving in hold. But this expression takes another preposition: on hold. With in changed to on, the phrase is correct.
Cancelled means stopped for good. On hold means paused, and you'll come back to it. Hold on! is a request to wait: the same words in reverse order.
Your turn
The project has been paused, not cancelled: It is ___ hold until September.
Show the answer
on — A paused project is on hold, with on. In hold isn't used.
The kitchen renovation has stopped until the tiles arrive. Say so in one sentence with on hold.
The kitchen renovation is on hold until the tiles arrive.
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