bides one's time
Awaits the moment
To bide one's time is to wait patiently for the right moment to act.
The phrase suggests strategic restraint rather than passive waiting—watching for an opportunity while appearing inactive: She bided her time until the boss retired, then applied for the position.
Bide survives almost exclusively in this expression.
- anticipateExpect beforehand
- wait and seeDefer until clarity comes
- restraintControl over impulses
- awaitRemain expectant for
- watch and waitDelay action while observing
pause · sit tight · cool one's heels · scheme · delay · endure · strategize · perseverance · tarry · linger · calculate · lie in wait · lying low · patience is a virtue · calmness · hold one's horses · hold off · fortitude
bides one's timeflies off the handle
Loses temper suddenly
shoots from the hip · overplays one's hand · wings it · panics · loses one's cool
bide, bides, bided, biding, ones, time, times, timed, timing