Waiting game

to play the waiting game

[…] inasmuch as nothing was really and rationally to be hoped for but a long continuance of the siege and wearying out of the English, they were naturally a little afraid of Joan's impetuous notions. He said— “You see, we are sure that the waiting game is the best, whereas you would carry everything by storm.”

With Sam the only menace, I had been prepared to play a purely waiting game, watching proceedings from afar, ready to give my help if necessary.

It was a waiting game, and whichever waited the longer was bound to win.

I hear a voice but it's not yours / I count the score / I can't go on playing the waiting game

Arafat and Sharon have both been playing a waiting game since the Israeli leader's election a year ago.