Hurry up and wait Meaning in English
expression
Definition
This phrase describes a situation where you are told to rush to do something, only to have to wait afterwards, often in a frustrating or inefficient way.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in military, business, or bureaucracy contexts. It's informal and sometimes humorous, expressing frustration about being rushed for no productive reason. Not used for actual short waits—it's about inefficient or poorly planned situations.
Example Sentences
We hurry up and wait every morning at the busy train station.
basic
At the doctor's office, it's always hurry up and wait.
basic
The teacher told us to hurry up and wait before the field trip started.
basic
It's such a pain when you hurry up and wait at airports—rush to your gate, then just sit there for an hour.
natural
In the army, everything feels like hurry up and wait—move fast, then wait for orders.
natural
My job is a lot of hurry up and wait—everything’s urgent, then nothing happens for hours.
natural