waiting

an accident waiting to happen

a very dangerous situation in which an accident is very likely. The speed that people drive along this road, it's an accident waiting to happen.

See also: accident, happen

be waiting in the wings

to be ready to be used or employed instead of someone or something else. The rumour is that Green will be sacked and Brinkworth is waiting in the wings to take over as manager.

See also: wing

play a/the waiting game

to delay doing something so that you can see what happens or what other people do first. Those investors who are willing to play the waiting game may find it to their advantage.

See also: game, play