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waiting
in waiting
In attendance or accompaniment, especially as upon a royal or noble personage. The Duke sent one of his servants in waiting to admit his guests into the banquet hall.
wait upon (someone) hand and foot
To dote upon someone and do everything that he or she needs or wants. I don't know if Tom's relationship with Jeremy is healthy. It seems like he's always waiting upon him hand and foot. I hate the way Terrence waits upon the boss hand and foot—what a brown-noser!
play the waiting game
To postpone or delay a decision or course of action so as to first see what might happen or what one's opponent(s) might do. The market is rather tumultuous at the moment, so I think we're better off playing the waiting game rather than making any hasty decisions. The prosecution is playing the waiting game to see if the defendant will change her mind about taking the plea bargain.
waiting game
A situation where one postpones or delays a decision or course of action so as to first see what might happen or what one's opponent(s) might do. (Often used in the phrase "play a/the waiting game.") The prosecution has submitted a plea bargain to the defendant, so it's a bit of a waiting game at the moment to see if she will take it. The market is rather tumultuous at the moment, so I think we're better off playing the waiting game rather than making any hasty decisions.
wait for dead men's shoes
To await one's inheritance (and thus anticipate another's death). Not that I'm waiting for dead men's shoes, but I'm going to get a lot of money when my grandfather dies.
an accident waiting to happen
A person, thing, or situation that appears to be imminently dangerous or troublesome. Often but not always used somewhat humorously. Don't leave that ladder in the middle of the yard, it's just an accident waiting to happen! My toddler is starting to walk now, and she is just an accident waiting to happen.
big moment
and moment everyone has been waiting forthe special time that everyone has been waiting for. The big moment has come. I will now announce the winner. This is the moment everyone has been waiting for. Now we will learn the name of the big winner.
I felt like a penny waiting for change.
Rur. I felt worthless or helpless. When I lost the race, I felt like a penny waiting for change. My best girl went off with someone else. I felt like a penny waiting for change.
It's ill waiting for dead men's shoes.
Prov. You should not be eager for someone to die so that you inherit something. Phil: Why should I bother to learn some kind of trade? I'll be rich when Grandpa dies and leaves me all his money. Alan: It's ill waiting for dead men's shoes.
on the waiting list
and on the wait list[for someone's name to be] on a list of people waiting for an opportunity to do something. I couldn't get a seat on the plane, but I got on the waiting list. There is no room for you, but we can put your name on the waiting list.
waiting in the wings
Fig. ready or prepared to do something, especially to take over someone else's job or position. Mr. Smith retires as manager next year, and Mr. Jones is just waiting in the wings. Jane was waiting in the wings, hoping that a member of the hockey team would drop out and she would get a place on the team.
(wait) in the wings
to be ready to do something when the opportunity comes Other companies were waiting in the wings to sell similar drugs at much lower prices. The novel has sold well in the hardcover edition, and a paperback edition waits in the wings.
Etymology: based on the idea of an actor who waits in the wings (areas to each side of a stage) before appearing on stage
an accident waiting to happen
a very dangerous situation in which an accident is very likely The speed that people drive along this road, it's an accident waiting to happen.
play a/the waiting game
to delay doing something so that you can see what happens or what other people do first Those investors who are willing to play the waiting game may find it to their advantage.
be waiting in the wings
to be ready to be used or employed instead of someone or something else
Usage notes: In the theatre, the wings are the sides of the stage which cannot be seen by the people watching the play, where actors wait until it is their turn to walk on to the stage.
The rumour is that Green will be sacked and Brinkworth is waiting in the wings to take over as manager. in the wings
Also, waiting in the wings. Nearby in the background, available on short notice. For example, Some police were in the wings in case of trouble at the rally, or There are at least a dozen young managers waiting in the wings for Harold to retire. This expression alludes to the theater, where a player waits in the wings or backstage area, unseen by the audience, for his or her turn to come on stage. [Second half of 1800s]
in waiting
In attendance, especially on a royal personage. For example, The prelates who were in waiting asked him to take the last rites. This usage has become less common with the diminution of royalty and royal courts but still survives. [Late 1600s]
play a waiting game
Delay an action or decision so as to force an opponent to move or to gain additional information. For example, The lawyer advised her to play a waiting game and see if her husband would come up with more alimony . [Late 1800s]
in waiting
In attendance, especially at a royal court.
in the wings
1. In the stage wings, unseen by the audience.
2. Close by in the background; available at short notice: a presidential candidate waiting in the wings.