waiting game

American  

noun

1. a stratagem in which action on a matter is reserved for or postponed to a later time, allowing one to wait for a more advantageous time to act or to see what develops in the meantime.

---

waiting game British  

noun

1. the postponement of action or decision in order to gain the advantage

---

waiting game Idioms  

1. see play a waiting game.

---

Etymology

Origin of waiting game

First recorded in 1885–90

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

waiting game

This means that Salcido has committed herself to a waiting game before she gets her money, with an element of risk on top – she needs the business to continue to be successful.

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026

The hype around quantum computing continues to build, but for many players, it’s still a high-stakes waiting game.

From Barron's ● May 14, 2026

“There is more of a waiting game that occurs for the best value and best promotion.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025

Momentum has slowed as residents sink into a waiting game while they vie for permit approval, decide whether to return or grapple with new and ongoing unknowns.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2025

Then I relaxed a bit; work had to be done and I would play the waiting game.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---