Wikipedia:Indefinite is not infinite

This is an essay.

It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.

"Indefinite does not mean infinite" is a common refrain in Wikipedia discussions, particularly when considering indefinite blocks. The purpose of this brief essay is to explain what that means in practice.