waiting in the wings
waiting in the wings (metaphor)
/ˈweɪ.tɪŋ ɪn ðə wɪŋz/
Meaning
- be ready to step into a job or position when you have the chance.
- not yet active or important but ready or likely to be so soon.
- to be in a state of readiness, expecting to take over a role or position soon.
- to stay out of sight or in the background, anticipating the right moment to emerge or become involved.
- to be ready to take an opportunity, especially one created by someone else leaving.
- to be on standby, prepared to participate or intervene when necessary.
Example Sentences
- The new CEO is waiting in the wings, ready to take over as soon as the current one retires.
- Several talented young players are waiting in the wings to join the main team.
- The understudy is always waiting in the wings in case the lead actor cannot perform.
- There are numerous startups waiting in the wings, eager to disrupt the current market leaders.
- She has been waiting in the wings for years, hoping for a chance to prove herself.
- The new policy changes are controversial, and a group of advocates waits in the wings to challenge them.
Origin and History
The phrase “waiting in the wings” has its origins deeply rooted in the world of theater. The “wings” refer to the areas on the sides of a theater stage where actors stand, hidden from the audience, while they wait for their cue to enter the stage and perform. This theatrical imagery perfectly encapsulates the essence of the phrase, which means to be prepared and ready to step into action or assume a role when the opportunity arises.
Theatrical Beginnings
In the theater, actors who are not currently performing wait in the wings for their turn to go on stage. This backstage area allows them to observe the ongoing performance without being seen by the audience. The phrase metaphorically extends this idea to any situation where someone is ready and waiting to take over a role or seize an opportunity at the appropriate moment. The expression captures the sense of anticipation and preparedness that actors experience before making their entrance.
Early Usage and Literary References
One of the earliest literary references to “waiting in the wings” can be found in Theodore Dreiser’s novel ‘Sister Carrie,’ published in 1900. In this context, the phrase is used to describe a character waiting offstage, ready to step into the spotlight when needed. This early use in literature solidifies the phrase’s association with the theater and its metaphorical application to other scenarios.
Metaphorical Evolution
The metaphorical use of “waiting in the wings” extends beyond the theater. It is now commonly used in various contexts, including business, politics, and everyday life, to describe someone who is prepared to take action or assume a role when the opportunity arises. For instance, a successor might be “waiting in the wings” to take over a leadership position once the current leader steps down. This versatility and applicability to different situations have contributed to the phrase’s enduring popularity and frequent use.
Possible Theories and Imaginative Interpretations
While the primary origin of “waiting in the wings” is well-documented in the theater, some imaginative interpretations could further enrich its meaning. For example, one could envision an army “waiting in the wings” of a battlefield, ready to join the fight when called upon, symbolizing readiness and strategic anticipation. This imaginative extension aligns with the metaphorical use of the phrase in various contexts where patience and preparedness are key.
The phrase “waiting in the wings” vividly captures the blend of anticipation and readiness, originating from its theatrical roots and evolving into a widely used metaphor in everyday language. Its ability to convey the notion of being prepared to step into action at the right moment has ensured its lasting relevance and frequent use across diverse situations.
Synonyms
- on standby
- ready to step in
- in the background
- prepared to take over
- standing by
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