Expectations are a part of everyday life, and idioms can vividly express these anticipations. Here are 20 idioms that capture various nuances of expectation, along with their meanings and example sentences.
1. Waiting in the wings
Meaning: Ready to act.
Example: She’s waiting in the wings for her turn.
2. On pins and needles
Meaning: Nervously awaiting.
Example: We were on pins and needles during the test.
3. On tenterhooks
Meaning: Anxiously awaiting.
Example: I was on tenterhooks waiting for the results.
4. Hold your breath
Meaning: Expect anxiously.
Example: We held our breath for the announcement.
5. Wish upon a star
Meaning: Hope for something.
Example: She wished upon a star for good luck.
6. In the pipeline
Meaning: In progress.
Example: The new project is in the pipeline.
7. To bank on
Meaning: Depend on.
Example: You can bank on him for help.
8. Cross your fingers
Meaning: Hope for luck.
Example: We crossed our fingers for good weather.
9. Dream come true
Meaning: Realize a dream.
Example: Winning the lottery was a dream come true.
10. Eyes on the prize
Meaning: Focus on goal.
Example: Keep your eyes on the prize and work hard.
11. Keep your chin up
Meaning: Stay optimistic.
Example: Keep your chin up; things will get better.
12. Hope against hope
Meaning: Hope despite odds.
Example: She hoped against hope for his return.
13. Keep fingers crossed
Meaning: Hope for success.
Example: We kept our fingers crossed for a win.
14. To hold out hope
Meaning: Maintain hope.
Example: They still hold out hope for a miracle.
15. Pins and needles
Meaning: Anxious anticipation.
Example: We’re on pins and needles about the results.
16. To wait and see
Meaning: Be patient.
Example: We’ll wait and see what happens next.
17. To bet on
Meaning: Rely on.
Example: You can bet on her to succeed.
18. Shooting for the stars
Meaning: Aim high.
Example: He’s shooting for the stars with his career.
19. To hedge bets
Meaning: Protect oneself.
Example: She’s hedging her bets on multiple investments.
20. Leap of faith
Meaning: Trust without proof.
Example: Starting a business is a leap of faith.
