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 waiting game was punctured by viral AI-generated images of Trump in vivid scenes of arrest and imprisonment.

From Washington Post

Templeton won’t say whom she plans to support and says she expects a similar waiting game among GOP voters and donors in South Carolina.

From Seattle Times

This particular waiting game has gone on for a while.

From Washington Times

“If it’s coming from China, it’s one big waiting game,” he said.

From Washington Post

As ever, we’re locked in a waiting game until software developers — and regular smartphone shoppers — decide that folding phones are worth the investment.

From Washington Post