bide one's time

USAGE SUMMARY

'bide one's time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean that you should wait patiently and not rush into something. For example: "She knew she had the skill and experience for the job, so she decided to bide her time and wait for the perfect opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"No," the passive, insecure young man reflects, "it was best to bide one's time -- to keep hoping".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Standing in the rain on Main Street, grimly biding one's time in the hope of a high-five with Goofy: is there a more foolproof way to break the will of a man?

The New Yorker

Some, like Mr. Paul and Senator Mark Steven Kirk, Republican of Illinois, seem to view the old Senate rituals of biding one's time and deferring to senior members as passé.

The New York Times

Clodoaldo Pelissioni, in charge of transport at São Paulo state council, thinks it is just a matter of biding one's time.

The Guardian

For most of the period between Mao's death in 1976 and the advent of Xi, China followed the adage, attributed to Deng, of "hiding one's capabilities and biding time".

The Guardian

If I need to bide my time, I will bide my time.

Independent

But I bided my time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I bided my time," jockey Edgar Prado said.

The New York Times - Sports

I bided my time a little more.

Huffington Post

"We're just biding our time," one of them said.

The New Yorker

I knew I only needed to bide my time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bide one's time" when you want to emphasize a strategic decision to wait for the right moment rather than acting impulsively.

Common error

Avoid using "bide one's time" when simply referring to procrastination or laziness; this phrase implies a calculated decision to delay action for a specific advantage.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "bide one's time" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a strategic decision to wait patiently for a favorable opportunity. Ludwig provides real-world examples of its usage in news and media, supporting its relevance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bide one's time" is an idiomatic expression meaning to wait patiently and strategically for the right moment to act. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, primarily within News & Media contexts. While not very common, it carries a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles. Related phrases include "hold one's horses" and "adopt a wait-and-see approach". Remember to use it when referring to a calculated delay for advantage, avoiding its misuse for simple procrastination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Adopt a wait-and-see approach

Focuses on observing and waiting before acting.

Play a waiting game

Highlights the strategic aspect of waiting.

Wait it out

Emphasizes waiting until the end of a situation.

Exercise patience

Highlights the act of using self-control to postpone actions.

Sit tight

Implies waiting calmly and patiently.

Hold one's horses

An idiom expressing the need to be patient.

Hold back

Focuses on restraining oneself from immediate action.

Keep in reserve

Emphasizes the strategic act of not using something immediately.

Remain inactive

Suggests a state of not taking action

Take a step back

This suggests taking some distance from a current issue

FAQs

What does "bide one's time" mean?

The phrase "bide one's time" means to wait patiently for an opportunity or a suitable moment to take action. It suggests a strategic delay rather than passive waiting.

How can I use "bide one's time" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone who is waiting for the right moment to act, such as: "She decided to "adopt a wait-and-see approach" and bide her time until the market conditions improved."

What are some alternatives to "bide one's time"?

Alternatives include "hold one's horses", "sit tight", or "wait it out". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bide one's time" in formal writing?

Yes, "bide one's time" is appropriate in formal writing. It is a well-established idiom and can be used in business, academic, and journalistic contexts.