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.

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waiting game British  

noun

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

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waiting game Idioms  

1. see play a waiting game.

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Etymology

Origin of waiting game

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Investors have been playing a waiting game since a ceasefire was agreed at the start of April, with just one round of talks taking place that came to nothing.

From Barron's • May 4, 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

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

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2025

Claudia Allen, director of advancement for Maryland Humanities, says their organization is still playing a waiting game for two grant applications that they submitted, one to the NEH and one to the Library of Congress.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2025

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

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison