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

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

For the past few years, housing has been a waiting game, as buyers balk at record-high prices and sellers hold off on listing their homes until activity returns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 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

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

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2025

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

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison