in waiting

Idioms  

1. In attendance, especially on a royal personage. For example, The prelates who were in waiting asked him to take the last rites. This usage has become less common with the diminution of royalty and royal courts but still survives. [Late 1600s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in waiting

The Romanian filmmaker’s stoic drama is designed to provoke viewers in opposite directions, snaring them in waiting traps and causing them to concede in agony, “You have a point!”

From Salon ● Sep. 19, 2026

In terms of those in waiting, Maia Bouchier and Sophia Dunkley seem the most likely.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

If no one sparks a contest, then Burnham will be crowned Labour leader -- and prime minister in waiting -- at a special conference on July 17.

From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026

Until earlier this month, the 56-year-old wasn’t even a member of parliament, let alone the prime minister in waiting.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 24, 2026

“Well, we’d better start, then. No point in waiting till the sun comes out.”

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman

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Related Words

• delayed
• negotiated
• postponed

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