waiting in the wings

USAGE SUMMARY

"waiting in the wings" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone or something that is ready and available to do something when the opportunity arises. For example: "John was the perfect candidate for the job and had been waiting in the wings for months, hoping the position would open up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kadima will be waiting in the wings.

The New York Times

More are waiting in the wings.

Independent

"Jeb is waiting in the wings?

The New Yorker

Prince Henry was waiting in the wings.

The Guardian

You got dictators waiting in the wings".

The New York Times

China is still waiting in the wings.

The Guardian

Waiting in the wings are the opportunists.

The New York Times

Fortunately, plenty of talent is waiting in the wings.

Princeton University

Again, however, no other suitor was waiting in the wings.

Harvard University

Three freshmen quarterback are waiting in the wings.

Princeton University

But MiFID 3 must surely be waiting in the wings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting in the wings" to describe someone or something that is prepared and ready to take action or assume a role when the current opportunity arises. For example, "Several talented employees were waiting in the wings for a management position to open up".

Common error

Avoid using "waiting in the wings" when you want to emphasize proactive behavior. This phrase suggests readiness but not necessarily active pursuit. Use alternatives like "actively seeking" or "aggressively pursuing" if you want to convey a more assertive stance.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "waiting in the wings" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe a state of readiness or anticipation. Ludwig provides examples showing its use to indicate someone or something is prepared for an opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "waiting in the wings" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression that signifies readiness and anticipation for an upcoming opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples demonstrating its prevalence in various contexts, primarily within News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the nuance of passivity when selecting this phrase. Alternatives such as "standing by" or "at the ready" may be more suitable depending on the intended emphasis. Therefore, use "waiting in the wings" when you want to highlight preparedness for a future event or opportunity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

biding one's time

Focuses on the act of patiently waiting for the right moment.

on standby

Similar to standing by, but often used in technical contexts.

standing by

Emphasizes a state of readiness to act when called upon.

on deck

Suggests being next in line or prepared to take over.

at the ready

Highlights immediate availability and preparedness.

in reserve

Suggests being held back as a backup or alternative.

being in the offing

Indicates that something is likely to happen or appear soon.

lying in wait

Implies a concealed or strategic waiting.

in the pipeline

Focuses on development and preparation for future use.

waiting in the shadows

Emphasizes secrecy or a hidden aspect of waiting.

FAQs

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

Use "waiting in the wings" to describe a person or thing ready to take on a role or responsibility when an opportunity arises. For example, "The understudy was "waiting in the wings", ready to step in if the lead actor fell ill."

What does "waiting in the wings" mean?

It means being prepared and ready to take over a role or position when the current occupant is no longer able or willing to continue. It suggests anticipation and readiness for an opportunity.

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

You can use alternatives like "standing by", "at the ready", or "in reserve" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "waiting in the wings" or "waiting on the sidelines"?

"Waiting in the wings" implies a more direct connection to the role or activity, suggesting preparation to take over. "Waiting on the sidelines" implies a more distant or less certain involvement. The choice depends on the specific context.