wait in the wings
Meaning(s)
1. ready and available to seize an opportunity
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
waiting in the wings to succeed someone
Analysis
The 'wings' of a stage are the part offstage where an actor waits to make an entrance in order to be seen by the public. The expression 'wait in the wings' comes from the actor or understudy waiting for their moment to perform. If you say someone is 'waiting in the wings' they are ready and prepared to be called upon and become important. The phrase 'lurking in the wings' has the same meaning.
Social Examples (Advance)
- The future of the team is bright. They have a number of exciting young players waiting in the wings.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- Sandra is highly capable and clearly wants my job. She's not going to be content to just wait in the wings, so I can't afford to slip up at work.
- We need to be careful with these negotiations because other companies are waiting in the wings, ready to step in with an offer should our deal fall through.