waiting game

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

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of waiting game¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Idioms and Phrases

see play a waiting game.

Example Sentences

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.

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Reflecting on Mr Bush's guilty plea in relation to her family, she said she felt "mixed emotions" because other families were "playing a waiting game" for next year's trial.

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At the moment, though, it's a waiting game.

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He said he mostly speaks to his relatives over WhatsApp, but hearing from them was a "waiting game" because of unreliable connections.

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"So we just need to play the waiting game now."

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