Idioms are fun figures of speech where the words together have a different meaning than what they say literally. People use them every day to make speaking and writing much more colorful and exciting. In this article, you will learn fifty special expressions connected to patience, anticipation, and waiting for someone.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean standing by, holding on, or patiently waiting for a person to arrive. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Waiting for Someone
1. Hold your horses
Definition: To slow down, be patient, and wait calmly instead of rushing someone.
Used in a Sentence: Hold your horses while I pack my backpack before we walk to the school bus stop. / The impatient kids wanted to open presents right away, but mom told them to hold their horses.
Similar Expressions: Be patient / Slow down
2. Twiddle your thumbs
Definition: To sit around doing nothing while you wait for someone or something to start.
Used in a Sentence: Sitting in the empty classroom waiting for the late bus left us twiddling our thumbs. / Don’t just sit there twiddling your thumbs; help me organize these art supplies.
Similar Expressions: Wait idly / Waste time
3. Hang fire
Definition: To delay an action or wait expectantly for further news from someone.
Used in a Sentence: The coach told us to hang fire on starting practice until the captain arrived. / We had to hang fire on opening our lunch boxes until everyone sat down at the table.
Similar Expressions: Wait a moment / Delay action
4. Watch the clock
Definition: To look at the time constantly because you are eager for someone to show up.
Used in a Sentence: During the final ten minutes before the final bell, everyone in class was watching the clock. / I spent the whole afternoon watching the clock while waiting for my cousin’s visit.
Similar Expressions: Count the minutes / Wait eagerly
5. On pins and needles
Definition: Feeling nervous, anxious, and expectant while waiting for someone important.
Used in a Sentence: We stood by the front door on pins and needles waiting for the mail carrier to deliver our test scores. / Waiting for the talent show results left the whole group on pins and needles.
Similar Expressions: Feel anxious / Wait nervously
6. Sit tight
Definition: To remain in your current spot and wait patiently until someone returns.
Used in a Sentence: The teacher told the class to sit tight at their desks while she checked the hallway. / When we lost our spot in line, mom told us to sit tight while she asked the clerk.
Similar Expressions: Wait quietly / Stay put
7. Waiting in the wings
Definition: Standing ready and unseen, waiting for your turn to join someone or take over.
Used in a Sentence: The understudy actor was waiting in the wings for the cue to enter the stage. / Several fresh players were waiting in the wings on the bench to join the soccer match.
Similar Expressions: Stand ready / Wait nearby
8. Patience is a virtue
Definition: The wise idea that being able to wait calmly without complaining is a great quality.
Used in a Sentence: When the line at the cafeteria moved so slowly, grandpa reminded us that patience is a virtue. / Learning to wait for your turn on the swing set proves that patience is a virtue.
Similar Expressions: Be patient / Stay calm
9. Give it time
Definition: To wait patiently because a person or situation needs time to develop or arrive.
Used in a Sentence: Don’t worry if your little brother takes a while to tie his shoes; just give it time. / If you want the soup to cool down before eating, you have to give it time.
Similar Expressions: Wait a while / Be patient
10. Stay put
Definition: To remain in one exact location while waiting for a friend or family member.
Used in a Sentence: The police officer told the separated child to stay put near the fountain until family arrived. / I promised to stay put by the library entrance while my friend looked for a book.
Similar Expressions: Remain here / Do not move
11. Bide your time
Definition: To wait quietly and patiently for the right moment to act or meet someone.
Used in a Sentence: He had to bide his time in the hallway until the principal finished the meeting. / The clever puppy bided his time near the kitchen counter waiting for a dropped snack.
Similar Expressions: Wait patiently / Wait for the right moment
12. Jump the gun
Definition: To act or start moving too early before someone gives you the proper signal.
Used in a Sentence: He tried to run across the finish line before the referee blew the whistle, jumping the gun. / Don’t jump the gun by opening your birthday presents before everyone arrives.
Similar Expressions: Start too soon / Act prematurely
13. Wait in the wings
Definition: To remain prepared just off-stage or nearby until someone calls for you.
Used in a Sentence: The backup singers were waiting in the wings while the lead guitarist played. / My parents were waiting in the wings while I finished my speech.
Similar Expressions: Stand by / Wait ready
14. Keep your shirt on
Definition: A casual way to tell an impatient person to calm down and wait.
Used in a Sentence: Keep your shirt on, I am almost finished packing my gym bag so we can leave. / The children shouted for ice cream, and dad told them to keep their shirt on.
Similar Expressions: Calm down / Be patient
15. Hold the fort
Definition: To watch over a place and take care of things while waiting for someone to return.
Used in a Sentence: Mom asked me to hold the fort at home while she ran to the grocery store. / The assistant coach stayed behind to hold the fort while the head coach talked to referees.
Similar Expressions: Watch the place / Keep guard
16. In the meantime
Definition: During the time you are waiting for someone or something else to happen.
Used in a Sentence: Dad is running late, so in the meantime, we can practice our spelling words. / The bus won’t arrive for ten minutes, but in the meantime, we can review our notes.
Similar Expressions: Meanwhile / While waiting
17. Watch and wait
Definition: To observe a situation carefully and patiently while waiting for a person or event.
Used in a Sentence: The wildlife biologists sat in the blind to watch and wait for the deer to appear. / Instead of rushing into the game, the coach decided to watch and wait.
Similar Expressions: Observe patiently / Look and wait
18. Marking time
Definition: Doing unimportant activities just to pass the hours while waiting for someone.
Used in a Sentence: Staring out the window and doodling on my desk felt like just marking time until recess. / We spent the morning marking time while waiting for the afternoon party to begin.
Similar Expressions: Pass the hours / Wait idly
19. Cooling your heels
Definition: Being forced to wait a long time in one place for someone who is late.
Used in a Sentence: We spent an hour cooling our heels in the waiting room before the dentist called us in. / Standing outside the locked gate left us cooling our heels in the cold wind.
Similar Expressions: Wait a long time / Sit idle
20. Hold your breath
Definition: To wait in great suspense and anticipation for a person or outcome.
Used in a Sentence: Don’t hold your breath waiting for him to clean his room without being asked. / We watched the ball fly toward the net, holding our breath to see if it scored.
Similar Expressions: Wait in suspense / Anticipate eagerly
21. Stand in line
Definition: To wait patiently in a queue behind other people for your turn.
Used in a Sentence: All the students stood in line quietly while waiting for the cafeteria doors to open. / We had to stand in line for twenty minutes to buy tickets for the carnival ride.
Similar Expressions: Queue up / Wait in queue
22. Wait on hand and foot
Definition: To serve and wait on someone constantly, catering to all their needs.
Used in a Sentence: When my little brother had a sprained ankle, he expected everyone to wait on him. / The hotel staff was trained to wait on guests hand and foot.
Similar Expressions: Cater to someone / Serve constantly
23. Playing a waiting game
Definition: Delaying action and being patient while watching how another person behaves.
Used in a Sentence: The soccer team played a waiting game, letting the opponents tire themselves out first. / We are playing a waiting game to see if our friends want to join the club.
Similar Expressions: Wait and see / Act cautiously
24. Kick your heels
Definition: To waste time waiting restlessly for someone who is taking too long.
Used in a Sentence: He was left kicking his heels in the hallway because his partner forgot the project. / Waiting for the delayed train made all the passengers kick their heels on the platform.
Similar Expressions: Wait restlessly / Waste time
25. Stand by
Definition: To remain ready and waiting to assist someone when they need you.
Used in a Sentence: The rescue volunteers were told to stand by near the riverbank in case of flooding. / Please stand by your desks until the teacher calls your group name.
Similar Expressions: Be ready / Wait nearby
26. Waiting for Godot
Definition: Waiting endlessly for an event or person that is never actually going to arrive.
Used in a Sentence: Standing at the bus stop after the final bus already left felt like waiting for Godot. / Trying to get a reply from him about the weekend plans felt like waiting for Godot.
Similar Expressions: Endless wait / Fruitless search
27. On the edge of your seat
Definition: Sitting forward in eager anticipation while waiting for a thrilling moment.
Used in a Sentence: The final quarter of the basketball game had everyone on the edge of their seats. / Reading the exciting mystery chapter left us on the edge of our seats.
Similar Expressions: Eagerly waiting / Thrilled anticipation
28. Hanging in the balance
Definition: Unresolved and waiting anxiously for someone to make a final decision.
Used in a Sentence: Our class trip depended on the weather, so our weekend plans were hanging in the balance. / The championship trophy was hanging in the balance during the final penalty kick.
Similar Expressions: Unresolved / Waiting for decision
29. Wait out the storm
Definition: To remain patient and safe inside while waiting for a difficult person or event to pass.
Used in a Sentence: When the principal was angry, we decided to wait out the storm in the library. / The hikers huddled in the cabin to wait out the heavy mountain rainstorm.
Similar Expressions: Weather the storm / Wait patiently
30. Playing catch-up while waiting
Definition: Using spare waiting time to complete tasks you fell behind on.
Used in a Sentence: While waiting for my sister to finish soccer practice, I used the time to study spelling. / We played catch-up on our reading while waiting for the bus.
Similar Expressions: Use spare time / Catch up
31. Time drags
Definition: When you are waiting impatiently for someone, making minutes feel like hours.
Used in a Sentence: When you are staring at the clock waiting for summer vacation, time really drags. / Time drags when you are waiting for the doctor’s office waiting room door to open.
Similar Expressions: Pass slowly / Feel endless
32. Slow down
Definition: A reminder to wait for someone who is walking or working at a slower pace.
Used in a Sentence: Please slow down so I can keep up with you on the hiking trail. / The older dog started to slow down, so the puppy waited for him on the path.
Similar Expressions: Reduce speed / Wait for others
33. Hang around
Definition: To linger in a place casually while waiting for a friend to show up.
Used in a Sentence: We decided to hang around the school playground until our rides arrived. / You can hang around the lobby while I finish gathering my books.
Similar Expressions: Linger / Wait casually
34. Catch your breath
Definition: To pause and rest briefly while waiting for someone to catch up.
Used in a Sentence: After running up the hill, I needed to catch my breath before the others arrived. / Stop for a minute and catch your breath while we wait for the rest of the group.
Similar Expressions: Rest awhile / Pause briefly
35. Marking time until arrival
Definition: Keeping busy with small tasks while waiting for a person to reach your location.
Used in a Sentence: We organized the art supplies, marking time until our guest speaker walked in. / She read a magazine, marking time until her parents finished shopping.
Similar Expressions: Keep busy / Pass time
36. Keep your powder dry
Definition: To stay prepared and patient while waiting for the right moment to act.
Used in a Sentence: The debate team told everyone to keep their powder dry until the tournament started. / Practice hard and keep your powder dry for the science fair judges.
Similar Expressions: Stay prepared / Remain ready
37. Wait in the wings patiently
Definition: To stay calm and ready just off to the side while someone else finishes.
Used in a Sentence: The next group of students waited in the wings patiently for their turn at the computer. / She stood by the kitchen door, waiting in the wings for her slice of cake.
Similar Expressions: Stand ready / Wait quietly
38. Patience of a saint
Definition: Having an extraordinary amount of patience while waiting for someone.
Used in a Sentence: Teaching kindergarteners how to tie their shoes requires the patience of a saint. / Mom had the patience of a saint while waiting for us to pack our suitcases.
Similar Expressions: Extreme patience / Calm endurance
39. Waiting on tenterhooks
Definition: An old expression for feeling extremely anxious and tense while waiting for news.
Used in a Sentence: The entire family was waiting on tenterhooks for the phone call about baby sister. / We sat by the radio on tenterhooks waiting for the game score announcement.
Similar Expressions: Feel tense / Wait anxiously
40. Slow and steady wins the race
Definition: A proverb reminding you that being calm and patient often beats rushing.
Used in a Sentence: Don’t sprint at the start of the marathon; remember that slow and steady wins the race. / Taking your time on math problems helps, because slow and steady wins the race.
Similar Expressions: Patience succeeds / Take your time
41. Wait for the other shoe to drop
Definition: Waiting nervously for an inevitable next event or person to arrive after a surprise.
Used in a Sentence: After hearing the first loud crash outside, we waited for the other shoe to drop. / The test results came in, and now we are waiting for the other shoe to drop regarding grades.
Similar Expressions: Expect the next event / Wait nervously
42. Keep your eyes peeled
Definition: To watch alertly and constantly for someone to appear in the distance.
Used in a Sentence: Keep your eyes peeled for the yellow school bus coming around the corner. / The hikers kept their eyes peeled for their friends walking up the trail.
Similar Expressions: Watch closely / Stay alert
43. At someone’s beck and call
Definition: Always ready and waiting immediately to serve or help someone.
Used in a Sentence: The loyal puppy was always at his owner’s beck and call whenever he whistled. / During the group project, he acted like he was at everyone’s beck and call.
Similar Expressions: At service / Ready to help
44. Wait out the clock
Definition: To stall or wait patiently until a time limit expires while someone else is delayed.
Used in a Sentence: The winning basketball team decided to dribble and wait out the clock. / We just had to wait out the clock during the final five minutes of detention.
Similar Expressions: Run down time / Finish waiting
45. Stand guard
Definition: To watch over a specific spot while waiting for someone to return with supplies.
Used in a Sentence: My best friend told me to stand guard over our backpacks while he bought tickets. / The brave dog stood guard by the tent while campers slept.
Similar Expressions: Watch over / Keep watch
46. Wait for the dust to settle
Definition: To wait patiently until a chaotic situation calms down before approaching someone.
Used in a Sentence: After the noisy argument in the hallway, I decided to wait for the dust to settle. / Let’s wait for the dust to settle before asking the teacher about our grades.
Similar Expressions: Wait for calm / Let things settle
47. Wait your turn
Definition: To be polite and wait patiently until it is your proper moment to speak or act.
Used in a Sentence: Please do not interrupt the speaker; you need to raise your hand and wait your turn. / The children formed a polite queue and learned to wait their turn at the slide.
Similar Expressions: Take turns / Be polite
48. Keep a lookout
Definition: To watch carefully from a vantage point while waiting for someone to arrive.
Used in a Sentence: He climbed up into the treehouse to keep a lookout for his approaching friends. / We assigned one person to keep a lookout for the park ranger.
Similar Expressions: Watch out / Keep watch
49. Standing watch
Definition: Remaining alert and awake to observe surroundings while waiting for a person.
Used in a Sentence: The camp counselor spent the night standing watch by the campfire. / We took turns standing watch by the tent entrance during the overnight trip.
Similar Expressions: Keep guard / Watch alertly
50. Hold tight
Definition: A brief instruction telling someone to wait patiently and remain where they are.
Used in a Sentence: Hold tight while I grab my umbrella from the front hallway closet. / The ticket agent told us to hold tight while she printed our passes.
Similar Expressions: Wait a moment / Stay calm
Exercise to Practice
- Hold your horses while I pack my backpack before we walk to the school bus stop.
- Sitting in the empty classroom waiting for the late bus left us twiddling our thumbs.
- The coach told us to hang fire on starting practice until the captain arrived by eating lunch.
- During the final ten minutes before the final bell, everyone in class was watching the clock.
- We stood by the front door on pins and needles waiting for the mail carrier to deliver our test scores.
- The teacher told the class to sit tight at their desks while she checked the hallway.
- The understudy actor was waiting in the wings for the cue to enter the stage.
- When the line at the cafeteria moved so slowly, grandpa reminded us that patience is a virtue.
- Don’t worry if your little brother takes a while to tie his shoes; just give it a round of applause.
- The police officer told the separated child to stay put near the fountain until family arrived.
- He had to bide his time in the hallway until the principal finished the meeting.
- He tried to run across the finish line before the referee blew the whistle, jumping the gun.
- The backup singers were waiting in the wings while the lead guitarist played.
- Keep your shirt on, I am almost finished packing my gym bag so we can leave.
- Mom asked me to hold the fort at home while she ran to the grocery store by painting a fence.
Answer Key
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- False
Conclusion
Learning these idioms helps you understand English much better and gives you fun new ways to talk about patience, anticipation, and waiting for someone. You can use them when describing school delays, waiting for friends at the park, or anticipating family events.
Try using one or two of these expressions in a conversation or a story this week. Not only will your writing sound more exciting, but you will also have fun practicing your new skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common idioms for waiting for someone?
Some common idioms include hold your horses, twiddle your thumbs, and on pins and needles. These expressions are often used in everyday conversation to describe anticipation and patience.
Why do we use idioms in English?
Idioms make our language much more colorful, expressive, and fun than using plain words. They help us share big ideas and feelings in creative ways that people easily recognize.
How can I learn these idioms faster?
You can learn idioms faster by using them in daily sentences, writing short stories, and practicing with a friend. Making flashcards with pictures can also help you remember what each phrase means.
Are idioms used in everyday conversation?
Yes, native English speakers use idioms all the time during casual chats, television shows, and books. Learning them helps you understand jokes, stories, and conversations much more naturally.
Can idioms have more than one meaning?
Most idioms have one main accepted meaning, but how people use them can vary slightly depending on the context. Reading example sentences helps you see the exact way each phrase works.
