put something on hold

Meaning: To postpone something; to wait until later (sentences 1 and 2); to ask somebody to wait without hanging up the telephone (sentence 3).

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

Origin: 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.

More idioms — Daily Life

on a treadmill — In a dull and boring routine.
on the ball — Mentally sharp or alert; well-prepared; efficient.
on the go — Constantly busy; very active.
on the level — Honest and without deception.
on the spot — In an awkward social situation (sentence 1) or immediately and nearby (sentence 2).
on the up and up — Honest; ethical; fair.

More English idioms

on one's last legs — About to die, fail, or collapse.
on the blink — Not working correctly.
on the fritz — Not working correctly.
on the wagon — To abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages because one cannot control oneself.
one fell swoop — One quick, sweeping action.
open book — A person who doesn't hide anything about himself or herself; a person's life (sentence 1)…

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