biding
Staying put expectantly
Biding is the present participle of bide, now used almost exclusively in the phrase biding one's time—waiting patiently for the right moment to act.
The word once meant simply to wait or remain, but that broader usage has faded.
Someone biding their time isn't passive; they're strategically waiting.
Length of existence
- intervalDuration between two points
- meanwhileDuring the intervening time
- interimProvisional in-between phase
- interludePause between sections
passage · span · stretch · period · lapse · continuance · prolongation · tarrying
Delaying to later
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- hiatusBreak in activity
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
- moratoriumTemporary prohibition or delay
suspension · deferral · holdup · stalling · hesitation · procrastination · holding · abeyance
Art of choosing moments
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
- foresightAbility to anticipate futures
- positioningArranging in specific locations
opportunity · tactics · scheming · cunning · plotting · watchfulness · shrewdness · deliberation
Belief about future outcomes
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- awaitingStaying until something arrives
watching · readiness · alertness · expectancy · lookout · vigilance · preparedness · poised
Remaining in expectation
- forbearancePatient self-control, delayed enforcement
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- composureEmotional self-control
- equanimityUnshakable mental steadiness
stoicism · self-control · restraint · calm · serenity · tranquility · steadfastness · temperance
duration
Length of existence
- intervalDuration between two points
- meanwhileDuring the intervening time
- interimProvisional in-between phase
interlude · passage · span · stretch · period · lapse · continuance · prolongation · tarrying · lingering
postponement
Delaying to later
moratorium · suspension · deferral · holdup · stalling · hesitation · procrastination · holding · abeyance · limbo
timing
Art of choosing moments
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
- foresightAbility to anticipate futures
positioning · opportunity · tactics · scheming · cunning · plotting · watchfulness · shrewdness · deliberation · circumspection
expectation
Belief about future outcomes
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
awaiting · watching · readiness · alertness · expectancy · lookout · vigilance · preparedness · poised · braced
waiting
Remaining in expectation
- forbearancePatient self-control, delayed enforcement
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- composureEmotional self-control
equanimity · stoicism · self-control · restraint · calm · serenity · tranquility · steadfastness · temperance · acceptance
bidingrushing
Rapid forward movement
hurrying · hastening · striking · pouncing · jumping in
bidingadvancing
Moving in forward direction
proceeding · forging ahead · surging · moving · progressing
- biding timeDelaying action strategically
- biding one's timePatiently awaiting opportunity