lying in wait

idiomPart oflying

lying in wait — idiom

1. hidden and ready to attack, catch, or surprise someone — used literally for anim

1.idiom
Definition

hidden and ready to attack, catch, or surprise someone — used literally for animals or people, or figuratively for dangers or problems.

Example

The tiger was lying in wait near the watering hole, watching the herd approach.

A surprise exam was lying in wait for students who had not studied.