waiting in the wings

Meaning

This idiom refers to someone who is ready and prepared to take over a role, job, or responsibility as soon as the opportunity arises or when the current person steps down. It originates from the theater, where actors wait just offstage (in the 'wings') for their cue to enter. It implies anticipation, ambition, and immediate readiness.

Examples

• The vice president is waiting in the wings, ready to take over if the CEO decides to retire early.

  The vice president is waiting in the wings, ready to take over if the CEO decides to retire early.

• With several talented younger players waiting in the wings, the older athletes face stiff competition.

  With several talented younger players waiting in the wings, the older athletes face stiff competition.

• I knew there were plenty of eager applicants waiting in the wings if I turned down the job offer.

  I knew there were plenty of eager applicants waiting in the wings if I turned down the job offer.

• The political party has several charismatic candidates waiting in the wings for the upcoming election.

  The political party has several charismatic candidates waiting in the wings for the upcoming election.

• While the lead actor performed beautifully, his understudy was waiting in the wings just in case.

  While the lead actor performed beautifully, his understudy was waiting in the wings just in case.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ There are many candidates waiting on the wings.

  ✓ There are many candidates waiting in the wings.

  The correct preposition is 'in', referring to the physical area offstage known as 'the wings'.

• ✗ He is waiting in the wing for his turn to lead.

  ✓ He is waiting in the wings for his turn to lead.

  The noun 'wings' must always be plural in this idiom.

Related Expressions

Practice

• You should perform your best, as there are dozens of ambitious graduates ___ to take your job.

  💡 Ready and prepared to take over.

  Show answer

  waiting in the wings

• Although she is currently the assistant, she has been ___ for years to run the department.

  💡 Prepared to step into the lead role.

  Show answer

  waiting in the wings