Waiting in the wings means being ready to step in when the right moment arrives. A person may stay nearby while someone else is still in the main role.
The phrase comes from theater. The wings are the side areas of a stage where actors stand out of view before making their entrance.
The phrase comes from theater. The wings are the side areas of a stage where actors stand out of view before making their entrance.
A new candidate was already waiting in the wings if the manager decided to leave.