in waiting

Idioms and Phrases

In attendance, especially on a royal personage. For example, The prelates who were in waiting asked him to take the last rites . This usage has become less common with the diminution of royalty and royal courts but still survives. [Late 1600s]

Example Sentences

They said he was a tyrant and a dictator in waiting.

From Salon

Plaid Cymru wanted to use the event at the Principality Stadium to look ahead to the 2026 Senedd election, portraying itself as a government in waiting.

From BBC

He is a recognized clubhouse leader routinely referred to as a manager in waiting, a player who like former Dodgers Dave Roberts and Alex Cora could develop into a respected skipper perched on the top step of the dugout.

From Los Angeles Times

In London, almost a third of Uber drivers have invested in an EV, so the difference in waiting times may not be long.

From BBC

Vice President Kamala Harris abandoned her campaign schedule for a day to monitor the attack from the White House situation room, and seized the chance to sound like a commander-in-chief in waiting.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• delayed
• negotiated
• postponed