in the wings

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(wait) in the wings

to be ready to do something when the opportunity comes Other companies were waiting in the wings to sell similar drugs at much lower prices. The novel has sold well in the hardcover edition, and a paperback edition waits in the wings.

Etymology: based on the idea of an actor who waits in the wings (areas to each side of a stage) before appearing on stage

See also: wing

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? References in classic literature
Doubleday has lately described (before the Entomological Society, March 3rd, 1845) a peculiar structure in the wings of this butterfly, which seems to be the means of its making its noise. The Voyage of the Beagle by Darwin, Charles View in context And after two or three hours the swallows began to get tired in the wings and short of breath. The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Lofting, Hugh View in context More results

? References in classic literature

Doubleday has lately described (before the Entomological Society, March 3rd, 1845) a peculiar structure in the wings of this butterfly, which seems to be the means of its making its noise.

The Voyage of the Beagle by Darwin, Charles View in context

And after two or three hours the swallows began to get tired in the wings and short of breath.

The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Lofting, Hugh View in context

More results

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in the unlikely event of
in the vicinity of
in the wake of
in the way
in the way of
in the wilderness
in the wind
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in the zone

In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
In the weeds
In the Wet
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In the Wild
In the Wild

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in the wink of an eye
in the wink of an eye
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In the Winter Dark
In The Womb
In the Woods

In the Woods...
In the Workhouse - Christmas Day
in the works
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In the wrong box
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In the Year 2525
In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)

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