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