in the wings Definition

wing
noun

1. One of the two modified forelimbs of a bird or bat that are adapted for flight.
2. One of two or more membranous outgrowths that project from either side of the body of an insect enabling it to fly.
3. One of the flattened structures that project from either side of an aircraft body.
4. Any of the corner sections of a vehicle body, forming covers for the wheels.
5. A part of a building projecting from the central or main section.

Example: the west wing
Thesaurus: annex, addition, ell (US), hall, division, section, part.
6. The left or right flank of an army or fleet in battle formation.
7a. sport.
In football and hockey, etc: either edge of the pitch;
7b. sport.
In football and hockey, etc: the player at either extreme of the forward line.
8. theat.
The area at each side of a stage, where performers wait to enter, out of sight of the audience.
Form: wings
9. A group with its own distinct views and character, within a political party or other body. See also left wing, right wing.
10. In the RAF: a unit consisting of several squadrons.
11. In the RAF: a qualified pilot's badge.

Form: wings
12. literary
A miraculous surge of speed.
Form: wings
13. bot.
Any of various flat or projecting sections of a plant.

verb winged, winging

1. To make one's way by flying, or with speed.

Form: wing one's way (often)
2. To wound (a bird) in the wing or a person in the arm or shoulder; to wound someone or something superficially.

Thesaurus: wound, hurt, injure, bring down.
3. poetic
To fly or skim lightly over something.
4. To send (eg an arrow) swiftly on its way.

Derivative: winged
adj

Derivative: wingless
adj

Idiom: in the wings

Waiting for one's turn to perform.

Idiom: on the wing

Flying; in flight.

Idiom: spread one's wings (stretch one's wings)

To use one's potential fully.

To escape from a confining environment in order to do this.

Idiom: take wing

poetic
To fly off.

Idiom: under someone's wing

Under their protection or guidance.

Etymology: 12c: from Norse vængre.