Waiting is something we all experience, whether it’s waiting for good news, the right opportunity, or simply for time to pass. In everyday conversations and professional writing, using idioms for waiting can help express patience, hope, frustration, or calm expectation in a more natural and thoughtful way. As someone who writes and communicates professionally, I’ve noticed that the right idiom can soften a message, make it more relatable, and show emotional intelligence.
1. On hold
Meaning: Waiting temporarily until something continues.
Sentence: The project is currently on hold until we receive approval.
Best use: Professional or formal situations like work or customer service.
Other ways to say: Paused, delayed, temporarily stopped
2. In the meantime
Meaning: During the waiting period.
Sentence: You can review the documents in the meantime.
Best use: Polite and organized communication.
Other ways to say: Meanwhile, for now, during this time
3. Waiting in the wings
Meaning: Ready but waiting for the right moment.
Sentence: A new candidate is waiting in the wings if needed.
Best use: Professional or strategic contexts.
Other ways to say: Standing by, ready and waiting
4. At a standstill
Meaning: Completely stopped and waiting.
Sentence: Progress came to a standstill due to delays.
Best use: Describing stalled plans or projects.
Other ways to say: Frozen, halted
5. Bide your time
Meaning: Wait patiently for the right opportunity.
Sentence: She chose to bide her time before responding.
Best use: Strategic and thoughtful situations.
Other ways to say: Wait patiently, hold back
6. Mark time
Meaning: Do nothing meaningful while waiting.
Sentence: He felt he was just marking time at the job.
Best use: Reflective or critical discussions.
Other ways to say: Stalling, passing time
7. Cool your heels
Meaning: Wait longer than expected.
Sentence: We had to cool our heels in the lobby.
Best use: Informal or conversational tone.
Other ways to say: Wait around, be kept waiting
8. Hold your horses
Meaning: Wait and slow down.
Sentence: Let’s hold our horses until we have all the facts.
Best use: Friendly advice or caution.
Other ways to say: Slow down, be patient
9. Sit tight
Meaning: Stay where you are and wait.
Sentence: Please sit tight while we resolve this issue.
Best use: Customer service or reassurance.
Other ways to say: Stay put, wait here
10. Time will tell
Meaning: The outcome will be known later.
Sentence: Whether this works or not, time will tell.
Best use: Calm, reflective communication.
Other ways to say: We’ll see, only time knows
11. In limbo
Meaning: Uncertain waiting state.
Sentence: The application has been in limbo for weeks.
Best use: Formal or emotional contexts.
Other ways to say: Uncertain, pending
12. Wait it out
Meaning: Stay patient until something ends.
Sentence: We decided to wait it out during the storm.
Best use: Casual or practical advice.
Other ways to say: Stay patient, see it through
13. On standby
Meaning: Ready but waiting.
Sentence: Staff are on standby for updates.
Best use: Professional and technical settings.
Other ways to say: Available, ready
14. Pending
Meaning: Awaiting a decision.
Sentence: Approval is still pending.
Best use: Formal writing and emails.
Other ways to say: Awaiting, undecided
15. Wait in line
Meaning: Wait your turn.
Sentence: Everyone must wait in line for support.
Best use: Everyday situations.
Other ways to say: Queue up, take turns
16. Keep someone waiting
Meaning: Cause delay for another person.
Sentence: I’m sorry to keep you waiting.
Best use: Polite and empathetic communication.
Other ways to say: Delay, hold up
17. On the back burner
Meaning: Delayed for later attention.
Sentence: The idea is on the back burner for now.
Best use: Workplace discussions.
Other ways to say: Postponed, set aside
18. Wait with bated breath
Meaning: Wait anxiously or excitedly.
Sentence: We waited with bated breath for the results.
Best use: Emotional storytelling.
Other ways to say: Eagerly waiting, anxious
19. Take a number
Meaning: Wait your turn officially.
Sentence: Please take a number at the counter.
Best use: Informal or service-related contexts.
Other ways to say: Queue, wait your turn
20. Hold the line
Meaning: Continue waiting.
Sentence: Please hold the line while I assist you.
Best use: Phone and service communication.
Other ways to say: Stay on, wait
21. In due course
Meaning: At the appropriate time.
Sentence: You will be informed in due course.
Best use: Formal and respectful tone.
Other ways to say: Eventually, at the right time
22. Wait for the dust to settle
Meaning: Wait until chaos ends.
Sentence: It’s best to wait for the dust to settle.
Best use: Strategic decisions.
Other ways to say: Let things calm down
23. Be patient
Meaning: Accept waiting calmly.
Sentence: Please be patient while we process your request.
Best use: Universal and respectful.
Other ways to say: Remain calm, wait calmly
24. Hang on
Meaning: Wait briefly.
Sentence: Just hang on for a moment.
Best use: Casual and friendly.
Other ways to say: Hold on, wait a second
25. Waiting game
Meaning: A situation requiring patience.
Sentence: Launching the product has become a waiting game.
Best use: Business and personal reflections.
Other ways to say: Test of patience, delay period
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I use idioms for waiting?
Using idioms makes your communication more natural, engaging, and emotionally aware.
2. Are waiting idioms suitable for professional writing?
Yes, many idioms like “pending” or “in due course” are widely accepted in formal contexts.
3. Can idioms improve spoken English?
Absolutely. Idioms help you sound fluent and confident.
4. How can I remember idioms easily?
Use them in daily conversations, emails, or short practice sentences.
Conclusion
Waiting is an inevitable part of life, but how we talk about it matters. By using these 25 idioms for waiting, you can express patience, professionalism, and empathy more effectively. From personal experience, I’ve found that thoughtful language not only improves clarity but also builds trust and emotional connection.
Whether you’re writing for work, speaking with loved ones, or creating content, these idioms will help you wait with grace and communicate with confidence.
