50 Waiting Idioms That’ll Make You a Master of Patience

Waiting is something we all do every single day, but did you know there are tons of colorful idioms for waiting that make our language way more interesting? These expressions help us describe those moments when we’re stuck in line, anticipating news, or just killing time in creative ways.

Research Shows Idioms Are Changing

A recent study found that traditional idioms might be losing their popularity, especially among younger people1. The research suggests that internet culture and new ways of communicating are changing how we use these classic expressions1. But here’s the thing – understanding waiting idioms is still super important because they’re everywhere in English conversations, books, and movies.

Why Waiting Idioms Matter:

• They make your English sound more natural and fluent
• Native speakers use them all the time in casual conversations
• They add color and personality to your speech
• They help you understand movies, books, and TV shows better

Idiom Type	Emotion	Common Usage
Nervous waiting	Anxiety	Daily conversations
Patient waiting	Calm	Professional settings
Impatient waiting	Frustration	Casual situations

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1. Cool Your Heels

When someone tells you to “cool your heels,” they’re basically saying you need to wait whether you like it or not2. This idiom comes from the idea of being forced to wait for someone, kind of like when your feet get hot from walking and need to cool down.

Example: “The boss is in a meeting, so you’ll have to cool your heels in the waiting room.”

This expression is perfect when someone has no choice but to wait. It’s got a slightly sassy tone to it, so use it carefully!

2. Twiddle Your Thumbs

Twiddling your thumbs means you’re doing absolutely nothing while waiting for something to happen3. Picture literally spinning your thumbs around each other – that’s exactly what this idiom describes.

Example: “The students were twiddling their thumbs during the power outage.”3

This one’s great for describing boring waiting situations where there’s nothing productive to do.

3. Hold Your Horses

“Hold your horses” is a super common way to tell someone to slow down and wait4. It comes from the old days when people actually rode horses and needed to control them.

Example: “Hold your horses! We haven’t won yet, so don’t start celebrating.”4

This idiom works perfectly when someone’s getting ahead of themselves or acting too quickly.

4. Bite Your Nails

When you’re biting your nails, you’re feeling nervous or anxious while waiting for something3. Most people actually do this when they’re worried, which makes this idiom super relatable.

Example: “Jane was biting her nails while waiting for the test results.”3

Use this one when describing anxious waiting situations like medical results or job interviews.

5. Sit on Pins and Needles

Sitting on pins and needles describes feeling very nervous or anxious while waiting3. Imagine actually sitting on sharp objects – that uncomfortable feeling matches the anxiety perfectly.

Example: “Maria was sitting on pins and needles as she waited for the interview results.”3

This idiom captures that jumpy, can’t-sit-still feeling when you’re waiting for important news.

6. Wait with Bated Breath

Waiting with bated breath means you’re holding back your breathing because you’re so excited or nervous about what’s coming5. It’s like you’re literally holding your breath in anticipation.

Example: “The audience was waiting with bated breath for the final results.”

This expression works great for dramatic or exciting waiting situations.

7. Wait in the Wings

Waiting in the wings comes from theater, where actors wait behind the side curtains (wings) before going on stage34. Now it means being ready to step in when needed.

Example: “The understudy was waiting in the wings in case the lead actor fell ill.”3

Use this when someone’s prepared to take over or help out.

8. Watch the Clock

Clock-watching means constantly checking the time because you’re eager for something to happen3. We’ve all done this when we’re bored or excited about something coming up.

Example: “Sarah was clock-watching, waiting for the school bell to ring.”3

This one’s perfect for describing impatient waiting, especially at work or school.

9. Drum Your Fingers

Drumming your fingers means tapping them on a surface while waiting impatiently3. It’s that unconscious thing people do when they’re getting antsy.

Example: “Jack drummed his fingers on the table as he waited for the bus.”3

This idiom captures restless, impatient energy perfectly.

10. Hold Your Breath

Holding your breath while waiting shows you’re anxious and excited about what’s coming3. It’s like you’re so focused on waiting that you forget to breathe normally.

Example: “The audience was holding their breath as the magician performed his final trick.”3

Great for suspenseful or exciting waiting moments.

11. Wait for the Dust to Settle

Waiting for the dust to settle means letting a situation calm down after something big happens25. Picture dust flying around after an explosion – you wait for it to settle so you can see clearly.

Example: “Let’s wait for the dust to settle before making any major decisions about the company.”

This idiom’s perfect for dramatic situations that need time to stabilize.

12. Wait for the Other Shoe to Drop

Waiting for the other shoe to drop means expecting something bad to happen after something else already has5. It comes from apartment living – if you hear one shoe drop upstairs, you wait for the second one.

Example: “After the first round of layoffs, everyone was waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

Use this when you sense more bad news is coming.

13. Keep Your Shirt On

Keep your shirt on is a casual way to tell someone to be patient and not get worked up while waiting2. It’s like telling someone not to get so heated that they start taking off clothes!

Example: “Keep your shirt on! The pizza will be here in ten minutes.”

This one’s great for calming down impatient friends or family.

14. Hang Tight

Hang tight simply means to hold on and wait patiently2. It’s super casual and friendly, like you’re telling someone to grip onto something while you sort things out.

Example: “Hang tight while I find your reservation in the system.”

Perfect for customer service situations or when helping someone out.

15. Bite the Bullet

Biting the bullet means patiently enduring something unpleasant that you have to wait through6. It comes from old medical practices where patients bit bullets during surgery.

Example: “I guess I’ll just have to bite the bullet and wait in this long line.”

Use this when you’re accepting an unpleasant waiting situation.

16. Wait Your Turn

Wait your turn is exactly what it sounds like – patiently waiting until it’s your time to go5. It’s something we learn as kids but use our whole lives.

Example: “You’ll have to wait your turn like everyone else.”

This one’s perfect for fairness situations and teaching patience.

17. In the Meantime

In the meantime refers to the time period while you’re waiting for something else to happen6. It’s super useful for describing what you do during waiting periods.

Example: “The car will be ready tomorrow; in the meantime, you can use the loaner.”

Great for filling people in on temporary arrangements.

18. Stand in Line

Standing in line means waiting your turn in an organized queue6. It’s such a common experience that it’s become an idiom for patient waiting.

Example: “We stood in line for two hours just to get concert tickets.”

Perfect for describing organized waiting situations.

19. Time Stands Still

When time stands still, it feels like waiting is taking forever3. It’s that weird feeling when you’re so focused on waiting that minutes feel like hours.

Example: “As she waited for the exam results, time stood still.”3

Use this for those agonizingly slow waiting moments.

20. Kill Time

Killing time means doing something to make waiting go by faster6. It’s like you’re attacking time itself to make it pass quicker.

Example: “I played games on my phone to kill time while waiting at the doctor’s office.”

This one’s perfect for describing waiting activities.

21. Hurry Up and Wait

Hurry up and wait describes situations where you rush to get somewhere, then end up waiting anyway. It’s super frustrating and happens all the time.

Example: “The military is famous for its hurry up and wait mentality.”

Great for describing inefficient or frustrating systems.

22. Patience is a Virtue

Patience is a virtue is a classic saying that reminds us waiting calmly is a good quality7. It’s been around forever and parents still use it to teach kids.

Example: “I know you want your birthday present now, but patience is a virtue.”

Perfect for teaching moments or encouraging someone to wait nicely.

23. Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

This famous saying means patient people get rewarded7. It encourages people to wait instead of rushing into things.

Example: “Don’t worry about not getting the job yet – good things come to those who wait.”

Use this to comfort someone who’s waiting for something important.

24. Wait and See

Wait and see means being patient until you know what happens next. It’s super common and works in tons of situations.

Example: “I’m not sure if the weather will clear up – we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Perfect for uncertain situations where only time will tell.

25. Bide Your Time

Biding your time means waiting patiently for the right moment to act2. It’s more strategic than just regular waiting – you’re planning something.

Example: “He’s biding his time until the perfect job opportunity comes along.”

Great for describing strategic or calculated waiting.

26. On Standby

Being on standby means waiting and ready to act when called upon3. It comes from airline terminology but now applies to many situations.

Example: “The emergency crew is on standby in case anything goes wrong.”

Perfect for describing prepared waiting situations.

27. In Limbo

Being in limbo means you’re stuck waiting in an uncertain situation4. Nothing’s moving forward or backward – you’re just suspended in uncertainty.

Example: “Our vacation plans are in limbo until we hear about the travel restrictions.”4

Use this for frustrating uncertain waiting periods.

28. Count the Minutes

Counting the minutes means you’re impatiently tracking every moment while waiting. It makes time feel even slower!

Example: “She was counting the minutes until her favorite show started.”

Perfect for excited or impatient waiting.

29. Tapping Your Foot

Tapping your foot while waiting shows impatience through body language. Most people actually do this when they’re getting antsy.

Example: “He was tapping his foot impatiently while waiting for the meeting to start.”

Great for describing visible signs of impatient waiting.

30. Sitting Duck

Being a sitting duck while waiting means you’re vulnerable or helpless. You can’t move or act, just wait and hope for the best.

Example: “Without transportation, we were sitting ducks waiting for help to arrive.”

Use this for helpless waiting situations.

Interactive Waiting Idioms Quiz Tool

Test Your Knowledge!

Instructions: Match each situation with the correct waiting idiom.

Situation 1: You’re nervously waiting for medical test results and can’t stop worrying.

• A) Twiddling your thumbs
• B) Biting your nails
• C) Killing time

Situation 2: You’re ready to help if your coworker needs backup during their presentation.

• A) Waiting in the wings
• B) Holding your horses
• C) In limbo

Situation 3: Your friend is getting too excited about something that hasn’t happened yet.

• A) Good things come to those who wait
• B) Hold your horses
• C) Wait and see

Answers: 1-B, 2-A, 3-B

How did you do? Understanding these idioms takes practice, but they’ll make your English sound much more natural!

31. Cooling Your Jets

Cooling your jets means slowing down and being more patient. Jets are fast and hot, so cooling them means taking it easy.

Example: “Cool your jets! The store doesn’t open for another hour.”

This one’s casual and perfect for telling someone to relax.

32. Chomping at the Bit

Chomping at the bit means being extremely eager and impatient to get started. It comes from horses that bite their bits when they want to run.

Example: “The kids were chomping at the bit to open their Christmas presents.”

Great for describing excited, impatient energy.

33. Marking Time

Marking time means going through the motions while waiting for something better. It’s like you’re just staying busy until real action starts.

Example: “He’s just marking time at this job until he finds his dream career.”

Perfect for temporary waiting situations.

34. Playing the Waiting Game

Playing the waiting game means accepting that you have to be patient for something to work out. It’s strategic and often involves uncertainty.

Example: “With the housing market so crazy, we’re just playing the waiting game for prices to come down.”

Use this for long-term uncertain waiting.

35. Keeping Vigil

Keeping vigil means staying awake and alert while waiting, often during difficult times. It comes from religious or ceremonial watching.

Example: “The family kept vigil at the hospital all night.”

Perfect for serious, devoted waiting situations.

36. Banking on Time

Banking on time means counting on the passage of time to solve a problem. You’re investing in patience as a solution.

Example: “I’m banking on time to heal this relationship conflict.”

Great for situations where time itself is the solution.

37. Riding It Out

Riding it out means staying patient through a difficult waiting period until things improve. Like riding a storm, you endure until it passes.

Example: “The economy is tough right now, but we’re going to ride it out.”

Perfect for enduring challenging waiting periods.

38. Keeping Tabs

Keeping tabs while waiting means monitoring a situation closely. You’re watching and waiting at the same time.

Example: “I’m keeping tabs on that job posting in case they reopen applications.”

Use this for active, watchful waiting.

39. Staying Put

Staying put means remaining in one place while waiting, often when you’d rather be somewhere else.

Example: “The weather’s too dangerous to travel, so we’re staying put until it clears.”

Great for forced waiting situations.

40. Weathering the Storm

Weathering the storm means patiently enduring difficult waiting periods until conditions improve. Like actual storms, tough times eventually pass.

Example: “Small businesses are weathering the storm until customer demand returns.”

Perfect for challenging waiting periods.

41. Holding Pattern

Being in a holding pattern means circling around while waiting for clearance to proceed. It comes from aviation but applies to many life situations.

Example: “My career is in a holding pattern until I finish my degree.”

Use this for structured, temporary waiting.

42. Window Shopping

Window shopping while waiting means looking at options without committing. You’re browsing and being patient about decisions.

Example: “I’m just window shopping for cars until I save enough for a down payment.”

Great for patient, exploratory waiting.

43. Keeping Powder Dry

Keeping your powder dry means staying ready while waiting for the right moment to act. It comes from old military strategy.

Example: “I’m keeping my powder dry until the perfect business opportunity comes along.”

Perfect for strategic, prepared waiting.

44. Treading Water

Treading water means staying afloat while waiting for better circumstances. You’re maintaining your position without progress.

Example: “Since the promotion freeze, I’m just treading water at work.”

Use this for maintaining status quo while waiting.

45. Spinning Your Wheels

Spinning your wheels means staying busy while waiting but not making real progress. Like a car stuck in mud, you’re active but not moving forward.

Example: “I feel like I’m spinning my wheels waiting for this project approval.”

Great for frustrating, unproductive waiting.

46. Keeping the Faith

Keeping the faith means maintaining hope and patience during difficult waiting periods. You believe things will work out eventually.

Example: “Even though job hunting is tough, I’m keeping the faith that the right opportunity will come.”

Perfect for hopeful, patient waiting.

47. Staying the Course

Staying the course means remaining patient with your plan while waiting for results. You’re not giving up or changing direction.

Example: “The diet isn’t showing results yet, but I’m staying the course.”

Use this for committed, persistent waiting.

48. Keeping Your Head Down

Keeping your head down while waiting means focusing on your work and avoiding trouble until things improve.

Example: “During the company restructuring, I’m keeping my head down and doing my job.”

Great for cautious waiting during uncertain times.

49. Running on Empty

Running on empty while waiting means you’re getting tired of being patient. Your patience fuel tank is almost gone.

Example: “After six months of job searching, I’m running on empty.”

Perfect for describing patience fatigue.

50. Crossing Your Fingers

Crossing your fingers while waiting means hoping for good luck or positive outcomes. It’s a superstitious waiting gesture.

Example: “I’m crossing my fingers that my loan application gets approved.”

Use this for hopeful, wishful waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are waiting idioms so common in English?
A: Waiting is such a universal human experience that languages develop colorful ways to describe it. These idioms help us express different types of waiting emotions – from nervous anticipation to patient endurance.

Q: Are younger people still using traditional waiting idioms?
A: Research suggests that traditional idioms might be declining among younger generations due to internet culture and new communication styles1. However, many classic waiting idioms remain popular in everyday conversation.

Q: Which waiting idioms are most useful for English learners?
A: Start with common ones like “hold your horses,” “wait and see,” and “hang tight.” These appear frequently in casual conversation and are easy to understand and use.

Q: How can I remember all these waiting idioms?
A: Practice using them in real situations! When you’re actually waiting for something, think about which idiom describes your experience. The more you connect idioms to real emotions and situations, the better you’ll remember them.

Q: Is it okay to mix waiting idioms in the same conversation?
A: Absolutely! Native speakers often use multiple idioms naturally. Just make sure they fit the tone and context of your conversation.

The Patient Path Forward

Mastering waiting idioms isn’t just about learning fancy expressions – it’s about understanding how English speakers really think and feel about patience, anticipation, and time. These colorful phrases connect us to centuries of human experience with waiting, from “cooling our heels” in royal courts to “hanging tight” in modern customer service calls.

Here’s something most people don’t realize: the best way to truly understand waiting idioms is to notice when you’re actually experiencing the emotions they describe. Next time you’re drumming your fingers impatiently or sitting on pins and needles, you’ll have a deeper connection to these expressions that goes beyond just memorizing definitions.

The beauty of idioms lies in their ability to make our language more human, more relatable, and way more interesting. So whether you’re biding your time or chomping at the bit to use these new expressions, remember that patience truly is a virtue – especially when it comes to mastering the art of idiomatic English!