in the wings

phrase

1

: out of sight in the stage wings

2

: close at hand in the background : readily available

had a plan waiting in the wings

Examples of in the wings in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kyler Murray is in concussion protocol with Carson Wentz in the wings. — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Then there’s that pricey ticking fee kickoff and a possible SCOTUS intervention in the wings. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026

Leading up to his entrance, a shaky camera view teased shots of the singer on screen hiding out in the wings of the arena. — Sydney Gaw, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026

The voices and visions play tricks and offer surprises, and there’s a sense of humour even when tragedy is lurking in the wings. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for in the wings

• brings
• clings
• dings
• flings
• kings
• lings
• pings
• rings
• sings
• slings
• stings
• strings