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in the wings

Also found in: Wikipedia

0.04 sec.

(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 vicinity of
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in the wink of an eye

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