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3. play a waiting game

play a waiting game

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play a/the waiting game

to delay doing something so that you can see what happens or what other people do first Those investors who are willing to play the waiting game may find it to their advantage.

See also: game, play, waiting

play a waiting game

Delay an action or decision so as to force an opponent to move or to gain additional information. For example, The lawyer advised her to play a waiting game and see if her husband would come up with more alimony . [Late 1800s]

See also: game, play, waiting