When he started his own business, he 'patterned himself after' [='modeled himself after'] his father. [=he tried to do the things that his father would do]
The company has put production in a 'holding pattern' [=has temporarily stopped production] while better testing methods are developed.
a 'dress pattern' [=a large piece of paper that is used as a guide for cutting the cloth to make a dress]
(..) Oh... Actually, I think I have seen her. Russian killer. She's taken the flat opposite. OK. I'm sensing a pattern here. In fact, four top international assassins relocate to within spitting distance of b. Anything you'd care to share with me? I'm moving? It's not hard to guess (..)2012 TvShow: Sherlock Title: The Reichenbach Fall Season: 2 Episode 3