in the wings

Related to in the wings: Waiting in the Wings

in the wings

Ready and available to help or replace someone. Actors traditionally wait in the wings of the theater before stepping on stage. My assistant is waiting in the wings to take my job once I retire.
See also: wing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in the wings

Also, waiting in the wings. Nearby in the background, available on short notice. For example, Some police were in the wings in case of trouble at the rally, or There are at least a dozen young managers waiting in the wings for Harold to retire. This expression alludes to the theater, where a player waits in the wings or backstage area, unseen by the audience, for his or her turn to come on stage. [Second half of 1800s]
See also: wing
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

in the wings

If something is in the wings, it is about to happen or be made public. More bad news could be in the wings in the form of rises in licence fees. Compare with be waiting in the wings. Note: In a theatre, the wings are the hidden areas to the left and right of a stage, where the actors wait before going on to the stage.
See also: wing
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

in the wings

ready to do something or to be used at the appropriate time.
This idiom comes from the theatre, in which the wings here are the areas screened from public view where actors wait for their cue to come on stage.
See also: wing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

(wait, stand, etc.) in the ˈwings

(wait, etc.) ready to do something, especially to take the place of another person: If the party leader should resign, there are plenty of other politicians waiting in the wings. There are many younger tennis players in the wings, waiting for the chance to show their abilities.
The wings are the areas at either side of the stage that cannot be seen by the audience, where actors wait to come onto the stage.
See also: wing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

in the wings

1. In the stage wings, unseen by the audience.
2. Close by in the background; available at short notice: a presidential candidate waiting in the wings.
See also: wing
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • be waiting in the wings
  • wait in the wings
  • waiting in the wings
  • cloth
  • back-cloth star
  • clear the way
  • Clear the way!
  • the ghost walks
  • clip someone's wings, to
  • get one’s wings