in the wings

Idioms  

1. Also, waiting in the wings. Nearby in the background, available on short notice. For example, Some police were in the wings in case of trouble at the rally, or There are at least a dozen young managers waiting in the wings for Harold to retire. This expression alludes to the theater, where a player waits in the wings or backstage area, unseen by the audience, for his or her turn to come on stage. [Second half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Middle schoolers from all over the US and Canada and Mexico waited in the wings to speak at the rally, and even more kids were Zooming in from all over the world.

From Literature

She flew up the steps from the audience, pushed past the two boys from Canada who were standing in the wings, and ran out onstage.

From Literature

Regime insiders suspected him of being a wolf in sheep's clothing, waiting in the wings for the right moment.

From BBC

We’re glumly aware of how many others are waiting their turn in the wings.

From Los Angeles Times

The Jags will just have to focus on victory though, as they could suffer a big trapdoor fall if they suffer an upset defeat with Houston waiting in the wings.

From BBC