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[0967] Sit tight

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To wait patiently in one place without taking action, usually until further instructions or until a situation changes.

Origin

  • The phrase likely relates to the physical act of sitting securely or firmly (tight) in one spot, implying stillness and patience rather than anxious movement.
  • It suggests remaining calm and stationary while waiting.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Wait patiently
  • Hold on / Hang on (Often for shorter waits or on the phone)
  • Stay put (Remain in the current location)
  • Wait and see (Wait to find out what happens)
  • Bide one's time (Wait patiently for an opportunity)
  • Hold tight (Similar meaning, perhaps slightly more common in UK)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Hang loose (Relax, wait calmly; slightly dated, hippie/surfer vibe)
  • Chill / Chill out (Relax, don't worry, wait calmly)
  • Hold your horses (Wait, be patient, esp. if someone is being hasty)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Generally not used vulgarly, as it's a calming instruction. Impatiently telling someone else to wait might be vulgar: Just fucking wait, will ya?

Milder/Formal:

  • Please wait here.
  • Kindly remain in this area.
  • Your patience is appreciated while you wait.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal to semi-formal.
  • Very common in customer service, giving directions, or advising patience in uncertain situations.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The literal meaning of sitting 'tightly' might be slightly confusing, but the context of waiting usually makes the meaning clear. Emphasize it means 'wait patiently here'.

Examples

  • The flight is delayed by an hour, so we'll just have to sit tight at the gate.
  • Sit tight, I'll go get the manager.
  • The instructions are to sit tight and wait for the all-clear signal.

Dialogue

Technician: Okay, I've started the diagnostic scan. It will take about 20 minutes.

Customer: So, what should I do?

Technician: Just sit tight here in the waiting room. I'll come get you as soon as it's finished.

Customer: Okay, thanks. I'll sit tight.

Social Media Examples

  • Company Tweet: We're experiencing higher than normal call volumes. Please sit tight if you're on hold, or try our website chat. Thanks for your patience! #customerservice
  • Chat Message: Server is down for maintenance. ETA 30 mins. Just gotta sit tight for now.

Response Patterns

  • Agreement/Acknowledgement: Okay, will do. / Alright, I'll sit tight.
  • Inquiry (if patience is limited): Okay, but how long do I need to sit tight?
  • Acceptance: Got it. Sitting tight.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • Asking for an estimated waiting time (Any idea how long?).
  • Finding something to do while waiting (reading, checking phone).
  • Simply waiting patiently as instructed.

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • It's an instruction or piece of advice given to someone who needs to wait.

Intonation

  • Usually delivered in a calm, reassuring, or instructional tone.
  • Slight stress on SIT and TIGHT. SIT TIGHT, please.

Generation Differences

  • Common and understood by all generations.

Regional Variations

  • Widely used across English-speaking regions. Hold tight might be a more frequent alternative in the UK.
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