wait in the wings

USAGE SUMMARY

"wait in the wings" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean that someone is ready to act or intervene when needed. For example, "I always have a backup plan ready to go just in case, so I'm happy to wait in the wings until I'm needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The ugly sisters wait in the wings.

The Guardian - Sport

Other women candidates wait in the wings throughout Latin America.

The New Yorker

"He's going to wait in the wings," Cashman said.

The New York Times - Sports

There were worse contenders; others still wait in the wings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Banquo and Fleance (Maurice Parent and Shanelle Villegas) wait in the wings.

Harvard University

Other "claim-jumpers", as Odyssey's lawyers call them, may wait in the wings.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Jeb is waiting in the wings?

The New Yorker

On-camera unity waits in the wings.

The New Yorker

Kadima will be waiting in the wings.

The New York Times

More are waiting in the wings.

Independent

Prince Henry was waiting in the wings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait in the wings" when you want to convey that someone or something is ready and available to take action or assume a role when the opportunity arises. It's suitable for describing situations where readiness and preparation are key.

Common error

Avoid using "wait in the wings" if the subject is actively involved or influencing the situation. This phrase implies a state of readiness rather than active participation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait in the wings" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase. It describes a state of readiness or preparation for an event or opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

16%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait in the wings" is a common idiomatic expression signifying readiness and anticipation for a future opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, media, and academia. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the sense of preparedness rather than active involvement. Alternatives such as ""bide one's time"" or ""stand by"" may provide nuanced options depending on the situation. This phrase effectively communicates a state of preparedness and is generally suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bide one's time

Focuses on patiently waiting for the right opportunity, adding a temporal dimension.

be in the shadows

Similar to "wait in the wings" but carries a slightly more secretive or mysterious tone.

stand by

Implies being prepared for immediate action or intervention.

be on standby

Focuses on being immediately available, often in a technological or emergency context.

be in reserve

Suggests being held back as a resource or backup option.

hold oneself in readiness

Highlights the state of being fully prepared and available.

keep in the background

Emphasizes a low profile while remaining available if needed.

lie low

Implies avoiding attention while waiting for a situation to change.

lurk

Suggests a hidden or secretive presence, often with a negative connotation.

remain inactive

Highlights the lack of current action while suggesting potential future involvement.

FAQs

How can I use "wait in the wings" in a sentence?

You can use "wait in the wings" to describe someone or something that is ready to take over or become active when the time is right. For example, "The understudy had to "wait in the wings", prepared to go on stage if the lead actor fell ill."

What does "wait in the wings" mean?

"Wait in the wings" means to be ready to take action or assume a role when the opportunity presents itself. It suggests a state of preparedness and anticipation.

What can I say instead of "wait in the wings"?

Alternatives to "wait in the wings" include "bide one's time", "stand by", or "be in reserve". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "wait in the wings" in formal writing?

Yes, "wait in the wings" is generally appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news articles, academic papers, and business reports. However, consider your audience and ensure the idiomatic expression is easily understood. More formal alternatives might be preferable in some contexts.