Wait around
phrasal verb
To stay in a place doing very little until something happens, someone arrives or you can leave.
I've been waiting around at the station for over an hour!
Often appears as...
- waiting around for someone
- wait around all day
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To spend time idle or doing nothing specific.
I can't wait around for your decision, I have other things to do.
Often appears as...
- wait around for nothing
- won't wait around
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To stay in a place doing very little until something happens, someone arrives or you can leave.
I've been waiting around at the station for over an hour!
Often appears as...
- waiting around for someone
- wait around all day
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To spend time idle or doing nothing specific.
I can't wait around for your decision, I have other things to do.
Often appears as...
- wait around for nothing
- won't wait around
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation Involved
Use 'wait around' when you expect something or someone later on.
I'll wait around for the mail to come before going out.
Pro Tip 2/3Passive Activity
'Wait around' implies a passive state, often without any specific activity.
She was just waiting around at home, doing nothing.
Pro Tip 3/3Time Uncertainty
Use when the duration you have to wait is uncertain or feels long.
We waited around for hours, hoping for some news.
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation Involved
Use 'wait around' when you expect something or someone later on.
I'll wait around for the mail to come before going out.
Pro Tip 2/3Passive Activity
'Wait around' implies a passive state, often without any specific activity.
She was just waiting around at home, doing nothing.
Pro Tip 3/3Time Uncertainty
Use when the duration you have to wait is uncertain or feels long.
We waited around for hours, hoping for some news.
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation Involved
Use 'wait around' when you expect something or someone later on.
I'll wait around for the mail to come before going out.
Pro Tip 2/3Passive Activity
'Wait around' implies a passive state, often without any specific activity.
She was just waiting around at home, doing nothing.
Pro Tip 3/3Time Uncertainty
Use when the duration you have to wait is uncertain or feels long.
We waited around for hours, hoping for some news.
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