waiting game

NOUN

watchful waiting

Synonyms

WEAK

cat-and-mouse lying low wait-and-see attitude wait-and-see policy waiting it out watching and waiting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Investors have been playing a waiting game since a ceasefire was agreed at the start of April, with just one round of talks taking place that came to nothing.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

For the past few years, housing has been a waiting game, as buyers balk at record-high prices and sellers hold off on listing their homes until activity returns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

"So we just need to play the waiting game now."

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2025

Claudia Allen, director of advancement for Maryland Humanities, says their organization is still playing a waiting game for two grant applications that they submitted, one to the NEH and one to the Library of Congress.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2025

Then I relaxed a bit; work had to be done and I would play the waiting game.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison