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.

This means that Salcido has committed herself to a waiting game before she gets her money, with an element of risk on top – she needs the business to continue to be successful.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

"Markets pulled back across Europe as the waiting game to end the Iran war rumbled on," said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell.

From Barron's • May 21, 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

For now, Guittard says he will have to play the waiting game and see how it unfolds.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2025

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

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison