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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of in the wings was in 1847

Rhymes for in the wings

See All Rhymes for in the wings

Browse Nearby Words

in the wind
in the wings
in the works
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In the wings.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20wings. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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