Holding line

A short, agreed message used consistently when responding to questions about a live issue while facts are still being established or a fuller position is being developed.

Example: A holding line helps everyone say the same careful thing instead of inventing five versions before lunch.

Also known as: holding lines, approved holding line, holding statement, holding statements

Context: Unlike a holding reply, a holding line is reusable across spokespeople, service teams or channels and is not necessarily addressed to one named enquirer.