# wait around

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/wait-around
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To spend an especially lengthy period of time inactively, while expecting the arrival of someone or while anticipating some other event, often impatiently and often without a satisfactory outcome.

## Examples

- I do not want to wait around for the bus.
- We had to wait around for three hours because the flight was delayed.
- Rather than wait around for an opportunity to present itself, she took the initiative to create her own path toward success.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.