What does "hold for release" mean?

The phrase "hold for release" indicates that Air Traffic Control (ATC) has issued an IFR clearance to the pilot; however, the pilot is not authorized to depart until ATC provides further instructions or amendments to that clearance. This situation typically arises in busy airspaces or when certain conditions such as traffic, weather, or runway availability require a delay before the aircraft can commence its flight.

In this context, the clearance given is a formal acknowledgment of an aircraft's readiness to depart, but the pilot must wait for ATC's cue to actually take off. This ensures that the departure can be coordinated effectively with the overall traffic flow and safety considerations in the area. The option conveys both the receipt of a clearance and the stipulation of not being able to depart until conditions change or ATC provides further direction.