Question

in_the_loop_513 to postpone something; to wait until later (sentences 1 and 2); to ask somebody to wait without hanging up the telephone (sentence 3) Synonyms: on the back burner; on ice Time

Accepted Answer

ON HOLD, PUT (SOMETHING) We had planned to start building the new shopping center next month, but the company’s profits are down so the project has been put on hold for a while.Lorraine was having second thoughts about marrying Phil before both of them finished college. She told him she thought they should put the wedding on hold for a few years.I’ve been trying to call the doctor, but his secretary keeps putting me on hold. I don’t have time to wait for the doctor to come to the phone, so I guess I’ll try to call him again later. On hold specifically refers to postponing some action, whereas put something on ice means to store or reserve some item for later use. Something that is on the back burner has a lower priority or is less important than something else.

Id	in_the_loop_513
Idiom	ON HOLD, PUT (SOMETHING)
Definition	to postpone something; to wait until later (sentences 1 and 2); to ask somebody to wait without hanging up the telephone (sentence 3)
Examples	We had planned to start building the new shopping center next month, but the company’s profits are down so the project has been put on hold for a while. Lorraine was having second thoughts about marrying Phil before both of them finished college. She told him she thought they should put the wedding on hold for a few years. I’ve been trying to call the doctor, but his secretary keeps putting me on hold. I don’t have time to wait for the doctor to come to the phone, so I guess I’ll try to call him again later.
Cross-Refs	Synonyms: on the back burner; on ice
Extra Info	On hold specifically refers to postponing some action, whereas put something on ice means to store or reserve some item for later use. Something that is on the back burner has a lower priority or is less important than something else.
Category	Time

Put Hold Wait Call I Time Back Burner