waiting game

USAGE SUMMARY

"waiting game" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation in which one has to wait for something to happen or for someone to make a decision. Example: The negotiations between the two countries have turned into a waiting game, as both sides refuse to make a compromise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The waiting game continues.

The Guardian

So everyone played a waiting game.

The New York Times

"It's still a waiting game," Warner said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a watching, waiting game," said Mee.

The Guardian

BOOK now or play the waiting game?

The New York Times - Travel

"It's a waiting game," Tanser said.

The New York Times - Sports

But how do you dramatize a waiting game?

The New Yorker

— MICHAEL D. SHEAR DES MOINES — It's a waiting game now.

The New York Times

Your mother and grandmother play a waiting game.

The New Yorker

"It's a waiting game," said Mr. Kamakahi, the Hawaiian guitarist.

The New York Times - Arts

"We have to play a waiting game.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting game" to describe situations where strategic inaction is employed until conditions improve. For example, "The company is in a "waiting game", postponing investments until the market stabilizes".

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on "waiting game", as it can become repetitive. Mix it up with alternatives like "wait-and-see approach" or "holding pattern" to add variety to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting game" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a situation or strategy characterized by waiting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting game" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe situations where waiting is a key strategy or a necessary condition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While most prevalent in News & Media, its neutral register makes it versatile for various contexts. For alternative expressions, consider "wait-and-see approach" or "holding pattern". Remember to vary your writing and avoid overuse. As Ludwig's examples show, "waiting game" aptly captures the essence of strategic patience and anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

playing a waiting game

Highlights the active choice to wait.

waiting it out

Emphasizes enduring a period of waiting.

wait-and-see approach

Highlights a cautious strategy of observing before acting.

holding pattern

Suggests a state of suspension or inactivity.

in limbo

Describes a state of uncertainty and waiting.

stalemate

Focuses on the lack of progress or resolution.

standstill

Implies a complete halt in activity or progress.

in abeyance

Describes a temporary suspension or inactivity.

endurance test

Focuses on the difficulty and length of the waiting period.

patience is a virtue

Highlights the need for patience in a long, drawn-out situation.

FAQs

How can I use "waiting game" in a sentence?

You can use "waiting game" to describe a situation where someone is waiting for something to happen. For example, "The negotiations have become a "waiting game" as both sides refuse to compromise".

What can I say instead of "waiting game"?

You can use alternatives like "wait-and-see approach", "holding pattern", or "in limbo" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "waiting game" or "playing a waiting game"?

Both "waiting game" and "playing a waiting game" are correct. "Playing a waiting game" emphasizes the active decision to wait, while "waiting game" simply describes the situation.

What's the difference between "waiting game" and "delaying tactic"?

A "waiting game" describes a situation where one is waiting for an opportune moment. A "delaying tactic"/s/delaying+tactic, on the other hand, is a deliberate action taken to postpone something, often to gain an advantage.