play a waiting game
play a waiting game
To postpone or delay a decision or course of action so as to first see what might happen or what one's opponent(s) might do. The market is so tumultuous at the moment that I think we're better off playing a waiting game, rather than making any hasty decisions. The prosecution is playing a waiting game to see if the defendant will change her mind about taking the plea bargain.
See also: game, play, waiting
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
play a waiting game
Delay an action or decision so as to force an opponent to move or to gain additional information. For example, The lawyer advised her to play a waiting game and see if her husband would come up with more alimony . [Late 1800s]
See also: game, play, waiting
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
play a waiting game
employ the tactic of refraining from action for a time in order to act more effectively at a later date or stage. 2003 E. L. Skip Knox The Punic Wars If the Romans were to play a waiting game, refusing to meet him in open battle, then his plans would go awry.
See also: game, play, waiting
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- play the waiting game
- kick (something) into the long grass
- kick something into the long grass
- (one's) day in court
- (from) top to toe
- (there's) no peace/rest for the wicked
- (one's) old man
- (one's) old lady
- keep (someone) on ice
- (one's) jig is up