put it on hold

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   To delay or pause something temporarily, often a plan, activity, or decision.

   Grammar: Often used with a noun or pronoun as the object: put the meeting on hold, put it on hold.

   Patterns

   • put something on hold
   • put it on hold

   We had to put the wedding on hold because of the pandemic.

   The company put the new product launch on hold until next year.

   Can you put your plans on hold for a moment? I need your help.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   To make someone wait on a telephone line, especially while transferring or checking information.

   Grammar: Often used in customer service: put someone on hold.

   Patterns

   • put someone on hold

   The receptionist put me on hold for ten minutes.

   I'll put you on hold while I check with my manager.

   Please don't put me on hold again; I've been waiting forever.

Common combinations

put a plan on hold

They put the building project on hold due to lack of funds.

put a decision on hold

The committee put the decision on hold until the next meeting.

put someone on hold

The operator put me on hold while she looked up my account.

put something on hold indefinitely

The negotiations were put on hold indefinitely.

Synonyms and how they differ

suspend

More formal; often used for official or temporary stopping of something, like a service or a rule.

delay

Focuses on making something happen later, not necessarily stopping it completely.

postpone

Used mainly for events that are moved to a later time or date, not for phone calls.

Opposites

Commonly confused: put it on hold or hold on?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “put it on hold”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words