lie in wait

Idioms and Phrases

Remain hidden while preparing to attack, as in The opposition was quietly lying in wait for the incumbent to make his first big mistake . This expression originally alluded to physical attacks and is now often used figuratively. [Mid-1400s] Also see lay for .

Related Words

• await
• delay
• expect
• hang
• linger
• remain
• stand by
• stay
• stick around
• watch