Holding instructions inbound course?

What does the cardinal direction part of a holding clearance entail? IE most holding instructions correspond to its respectable radial direction.(ie hold north of the xyz vor on the 360 radial or hold west of the abc vor on the the 270 radial) but What if you get a clearance like this.. (hold north of the abc vor on the 180 radial) or Hold east of the xyz vor on the 260 radial) I am having a problem visualizing the latter examples. I was told in is the inbound course but others have disagreed.