English idiom

sit tight

Register · Neutral CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

wait where you are without acting until you receive further instructions

Word picture

Waiting without action is pictured as remaining firmly seated instead of getting up or moving away.

Example

“Sit tight while I check whether the technician is available.”

Dictionary details

Component words

sit tight

Tags

time
advice

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

in a tight spot

in a difficult or dangerous situation

bright and early

at the very start of the morning

early bird

someone who prefers beginning the day before most other people

hang on a minute

used to ask someone to wait, or to express surprise or objection

so far so good

used to say that things have gone well up to now

at the end of the day

ultimately; when everything is considered

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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