he bides his time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he bides his time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is waiting patiently for the right moment to act or make a decision. Example: "Despite the challenges he faced, he bides his time, knowing that the opportunity will eventually present itself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He bides his time.

Independent

He bides his time, living with his family while studying for a master's degree and working in a grocery store.

The New York Times

Where you or I would throw up and call the cops, he bides his time, checks the surroundings, then wanders down to the scene.

The New Yorker

Instead, nearing 60, he bides his time as Julie's "husband in waiting," confident that one day her marriage will fall apart and that he'll have his second chance.

The New York Times

He bides his time; indeed he is prepared to wait for longer than any batsman in the tournament to open his shoulders.

The Guardian - Sport

He bides his time and then wins the first point with a subtle forehand from right to left at the net.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

And he bided his time.

The New York Times

Here he bided his time.

The Guardian - Sport

He deferred to Seward's suggestion that he bide his time "until the eagle of victory takes his flight".

The New York Times

He bided his time but then delivered some punishing on-drives, usually against Tredwell.

The Guardian - Sport

No matter who bowled he offered a straight, calm bat and he bided his time like an old pro.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates that the waiting is purposeful and contributes to a future action or goal.

Common error

Avoid using "he bides his time" when the situation merely involves procrastination or unintentional delay. The phrase suggests a deliberate strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he bides his time" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a strategic delay. It describes a period of waiting coupled with planning or preparation, often used to create suspense or anticipation. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it provides context about the subject's calculated approach.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

25%

General

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he bides his time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to depict someone strategically waiting for the right opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability. As indicated by the examples, the phrase is frequently found in news and sports contexts. When using "he bides his time", ensure that it accurately reflects a deliberate and planned delay, rather than a passive or unintentional one. Alternatives include "he waits patiently" or "he plays a waiting game", which can be substituted depending on the specific context. The high source quality and expert rating suggest that this is a well-understood and appropriately applied phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he plays a waiting game

Implies a strategic approach where success depends on waiting for the right moment.

he waits patiently

Emphasizes the act of waiting without specific implication of strategy.

he adopts a wait-and-see approach

Emphasizes observation and delaying action until more information is available.

he lies in wait

Suggests a more predatory or opportunistic form of waiting.

he tempers his actions

Suggests controlling or restraining immediate action to achieve a better outcome.

he marks time

Indicates a period of inactivity or marking time until something happens.

he holds back

Indicates restraint and delaying action.

he exercises patience

Highlights the conscious effort to remain patient.

he suspends action

Highlights the temporary cessation of activity.

he remains inactive

Focuses on the lack of activity during the waiting period.

FAQs

What does "he bides his time" mean?

The phrase "he bides his time" means that someone is waiting patiently and strategically for the right moment to take action, often implying that they are planning or preparing during this period.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "he bides his time"?

It's appropriate when describing someone who is deliberately delaying action in order to gain an advantage or achieve a specific goal. It implies more than just waiting; it suggests a purposeful delay.

What can I say instead of "he bides his time"?

You can use alternatives like "he waits patiently", "he plays a waiting game", or "he adopts a wait-and-see approach" depending on the context.

How is "he bides his time" different from simply "waiting"?

"He bides his time" implies a strategic element that simple waiting does not. It suggests planning, preparation, or observation during the waiting period, rather than passive inactivity. It's a strategic delay, not just waiting.