Cool MateThe vultures are circling vs Waiting
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
The vultures are circling
High-frequency chunk
Waiting
Top 1,000 (very common)
| The vultures are circling | Waiting | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðə ˈvʌltʃəz ɑː ˈsɜːklɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ðə ˈvʌltʃərz ɑr ˈsɜrklɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //ˈweɪtɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ˈweɪtɪŋ// |
| Meaning | Vultures are flying in circles above something. | staying in one place until something happens |
| Example | The vultures are circling over the abandoned car on the roadside. | I am waiting for the bus to arrive. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | High-frequency chunk | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | figuratively circling, vultures circling overhead, vultures circling around, vultures circling their prey | waiting for someone, waiting in line, waiting on a decision |
| Antonyms | - | rushing, hurrying |
| Common mistakes | Confused with this phrase's literal meaning versus its metaphorical use., Used inappropriately in positive contexts where an advantage is not gained at others’ expense. | Using the wrong preposition, like 'waiting to' instead of 'waiting for', Confusing 'wait for' with 'wait on', Overusing in formal contexts where 'await' is more appropriate |
| Usage notes | This phrase is often used metaphorically to indicate that someone is waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of a situation. It's appropriate in both casual and more serious contexts. | Commonly used in both spoken and written contexts. Avoid in very formal writing; instead, you might use 'pending' or 'awaiting'. |
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Frequently asked questions: The vultures are circling vs Waiting
What's the difference between The vultures are circling and Waiting?
The vultures are circling: Vultures are flying in circles above something. Waiting: staying in one place until something happens
Can you show an example of each?
The vultures are circling: The vultures are circling over the abandoned car on the roadside. Waiting: I am waiting for the bus to arrive.
Can I use The vultures are circling and Waiting interchangeably?
Not always. The vultures are circling and Waiting are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.