play the waiting game

play the 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 rather tumultuous at the moment, so I think we're better off playing the waiting game rather than making any hasty decisions. The prosecution is playing the 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.
See also:
  • play a waiting game
  • table (something)
  • table a motion
  • 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
References in periodicals archive
RANGERS have been forced to play the waiting game by UEFA over a date for the first leg of their Euro clash with St Joseph's despite agreeing with their opponents to play in Gibraltar next Tuesday.
Gers fans forced to wait for Euro date; Gers have to wait for Euro date
Oran Kearney admits he has been left frustrated by the transfer market after being forced to play the waiting game.
Kearney tired of having to wait
After Eldorado took care of Johnston City to the tune of 46-14 in the regular season finale, the Eagles now play the waiting game for another 24 hours to see who they will face in the first round of the IHSA playoffs.
Riding The Momentum Eldorado knocks off Johnston City ahead of first round of Class 2A Playoffs
HAVING finally started his Birmingham City career, Rhoys Wiggins accepts he might have to continue to play the waiting game.
Wiggins happy to play Blues waiting game
HAVING finally started his Blues career, Rhoys Wiggins accepts he might have to continue to play the waiting game.
Wiggins won't sulk over limited game time
Rafa Benitez admits he can only play the waiting game and pray for an Everton win at the Staidum of Light next week after Newcastle United failed to grasp their chance at Villa Park .
Rafa Benitez responds to Newcastle United's disappointing display at Villa Park; Newcastle United are facing the drop after a six-year stay in the Premier League but could yet be saved by Everton
NEWCASTLE UNITED would have to play the waiting game if they want to appoint Thomas Tuchel as head coach.
Tuchel a possible fit for Magpies' structure
ROBERTO MARTINEZ is prepared to play the waiting game this summer in his pursuit of star striker Romelu Lukaku.
I'll wait for Lukaku - Martinez
And it means the Welsh ace has been forced to play the waiting game before beginning a racing schedule that will culminate in defending the world title in Moscow in August.
Greene makes Rome return; SPORT IN BRIEF
Chelsea and Manchester City are monitoring the situation but Walcott, who has not been a regular first choice this season, said: "I have to play the waiting game for now.
THEO CLOSER TO NEW DEAL
He added that the BJP was ready to play the waiting game till the likely probe by the Central Bureu of Investigations (CBI) takes shape.
Coalgate: BJP "happy" with CVC's response
He (Misbah) has to realise that he cant play the waiting game in one-day cricket.
Waqar urges Misbah to be more proactive
"The players are considering their options so you have to be prepared to play the waiting game.
Thommo won't rush signings; ICE HOCKEY
Abu Dhabi While Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are bound to continue their tussle at the top of the rankings, players like Great Britain's Andy Murray will have to play the waiting game before stepping into a higher realm, according to former world number one Ilie Nastase.
Murray will have to play a game of patience
MARK HUGHES is prepared to play the waiting game in an attempt to snare SAMUEL ETO'O and CARLOS TEVEZ.
Sparky will play a waiting game; football ROUND-UP