Chinook’s mid-section catches branch left hanging (2,5)
I believe the answer is:
in limbo
'left hanging' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'chinook's mid-section catches branch' is the wordplay.
'mid section' indicates the central letters.
'catches' indicates putting letters inside.
'branch' becomes 'limb' (I've seen this before).
The centre of 'chinook' is 'ino'.
'ino' placed around 'limb' is 'IN LIMBO'.
(Other definitions for in limbo that I've seen before include "Up in the air" , "on the back burner" , "pending" .)