waits in the wings
Ready but unseen
To wait in the wings is to remain ready but out of sight, prepared to act when the moment comes.
The phrase comes from theater—actors waiting in the wings stand just offstage before their entrance.
By extension, anyone positioned to step into a role or seize an opportunity waits in the wings: Several candidates are waiting in the wings should the CEO resign.
- biding timeDelaying action strategically
- standing byReady to act
- next in linePositioned to succeed immediately
- understudyBackup actor, ready nightly
- second stringSubstitute players, not starters
inconspicuous · poised · edge · stage · vigilant · behind-the-scenes · emerging · rising star · dark horse · pause · prepared · taking over · prompter · on deck · heir apparent · hidden · in the shadows · behind the curtain
waits in the wingsin the spotlight
Receiving public attention
in the limelight · front and center · steals the show · out in the open · in plain sight
waits in the wingstakes action
Begins doing something
performs · steps up · in full swing · on the job · in the thick of it
waits in the wingsholds the reins
Has governing control
in office · at the helm · in charge · reigning · incumbent
wait, waits, waited, waiting, waiter, waiters, waitress, waitresses, await