wait in the wings
Ready, not onstage
To wait in the wings is to remain ready in the background, prepared to take action or assume a role when the opportunity arises.
The phrase comes from theater, where performers stand in the wings—the areas flanking the stage—before their entrance.
Several candidates are waiting in the wings should the CEO resign.
- stand byRemain ready to assist
- standing byReady to act
- preparednessState of being equipped
- supporting roleMinor character in production
- bide one's timeWait for opportunity
expectation · understudy · second string · warm the bench · backstage · behind-the-scenes · readiness · training · window of opportunity · big break · planning · chance · hopefulness · assistantship · foresight · next in line · heir apparent · shadowing
wait in the wingstake the stage
seize the moment · step up · take action · spring into action · take the plunge
wait in the wingsrun the show
Control an operation
call the shots · take the reins · take charge · hold the reins · bow out
wait, waits, waited, waiting, waiter, waiters, waitress, wing, wings