In abeyance

prep_phrase

prep_phrase ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Prep_phrase
  1. 1
    On hold; at a moment of inactivity.

    "His defences were all in his wits and cunning, his very instincts of cunning, and when these were in abeyance he seemed doubly naked and like a child, of unfinished, tender flesh, and somehow struggling helplessly."

Example

More examples

"His defences were all in his wits and cunning, his very instincts of cunning, and when these were in abeyance he seemed doubly naked and like a child, of unfinished, tender flesh, and somehow struggling helplessly."