Meaning of wait around | Babel Free

Definitions

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.

idiomatic, intransitive

Equivalents

Examples

“Looks as if we were all sold out. But if you'll wait around till the old man comes along maybe he can put his hand on it.”

“"A terrible organization!" said Nikita Khrushchev, all but shuddering at the memory. "If you could see how the delegates behave! […]. They do not participate in work, but just sit there and wait around in case there's any voting."”

“"In the beginning, I was waiting around by the phone," he said. "Then I got myself an answering machine."”

“"Too many women wait around depending on men to bring them happiness. I didn't depend on men for mine."”

CEFR level