in the wings
Ready but hidden
Waiting out of sight but ready to act.
The phrase comes from theater, where the wings are the areas just offstage where actors stand before their entrances.
By extension, anything in the wings is poised to appear or take effect: Several candidates are waiting in the wings, New regulations are in the wings.
- waitingRemaining in expectation
- on deckReady and waiting nearby
- backstageTheater's hidden area
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
- standing byReady to act
ready · next in line · offstage · stage left · understudy · poised · lurking · lying in wait · hovering · sidelines · waiting game · anticipation · curtain · theater · reserve · preparation · shadows · concealed
- anticipationanticipating, expectation, expectancy, expecting, awaiting
- theater jargonbackstage, center stage, curtain call, downstage, dress rehearsal
- theaterplays, stage, play, onstage, acting
- getting readyget ready, readying, be prepared, equipping, gear up
in the wingscenter stage
Position of maximum attention
in the spotlight · front and center · in the limelight · onstage · on display
in the wingsin action
Actively performing a task
in the thick of it · in play · in the game · performing · fully committed
the, wing, wings, winged, winging, wingless, wingspan, wingman