on the shelf vs. on hold

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #544 [color=blue]“English Slang Idioms (147)”, question 2

“We are going to have to put our plans to add another room onto our house on the until we have more money in our savings account,” Ben said to his roommate Bill.

(a) hold
(b) shelf
(c) freeze
(d) record

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #544 [color=blue]“English Slang Idioms (147)”, answer 2

“We are going to have to put our plans to add another room onto our house on the shelf until we have more money in our savings account,” Ben said to his roommate Bill.

Correct answer: (b) shelf

Your answer was: [color=red]incorrect
“We are going to have to put our plans to add another room onto our house on the hold until we have more money in our savings account,” Ben said to his roommate Bill.
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Hi Teachers,

Doesn’t both expressions “put on the shelf” and “put on hold” mean the same - to delay or postpone something? What is pointing at advantage of that version compared with this one?

Thank you,
Vladimir.

The expression is ‘on hold’ and not ‘on the hold’.[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC short conversations: Two people talk about their cell phone providers[YSaerTTEW443543]