On this show , we talk about expressions in American English and often explore their meanings in depth . And today , we visit the exciting world of live theater ! The world of Broadway and live theater have given us many expressions . And several come from part of the stage -- the place where plays , musicals and other stage shows are performed . For example , in a theater , the wings are the hidden areas to the left and right of the stage . This is where actors wait before they make an appearance . So , an actor waiting in the wings is standing off-stage , waiting to perform . But the expression “waiting in the wings ” is not just used in the world of theater . It can also mean someone is ready to enter a situation , be brought to public attention or take a job or position . For example , you can use it in a business setting . Let's say the head of a company is nearing the end of her career . She has been training her assistant to take her place when she retires . So , you could say her assistant is waiting in the wings to take control of the business . Now , let's go back to the stage . People other than actors can stand in the wings of a theater . Often actors on stage forget their lines . So , it is a good idea to have someone else standing in the wings holding a script . He or she could say the forgotten lines to the actor without the audience hearing or seeing them . Actors who forget many of their lines may not have prepared very well . And that is where we get the expression to wing it . When you “wing it ,” you do something or try to do something without much preparation . There are other expressions that mean about the same as “winging it .” If I say something off the cuff or off the top of my head , I say it without thinking . Now , no expression in the theater world is more iconic than : “The show must go on .” It's clear that every one of you is in perfect physical condition , So , the show must go on ! Because as old as time itself , there's a grand theatrical tradition that the show must go on ! This represents the heart of theater people . They will do whatever it takes to put the show on . It also means that no one is more important than the show . If something should happen to an actor , someone must be ready and able to take their place . That is why actors in live theater performances have standbys . Also called understudies , these people do not perform every day , but they are ready to step into one or more parts should they be needed . So there are actors who are on standby , waiting in the wings for their turn . But we can all find ourselves on standby . A standby is anyone who is ready to step in when needed , especially in an emergency . For example , if a hospital is expecting to treat many wounded people , they may have many doctors , nurses and ambulances on standby . Besides emergencies , we also commonly use this word in airline travel . A person on standby is on a waiting list . They wait for an available unreserved seat on the airplane . Used as an adjective , there are standby passengers and standby tickets . “Standby ” as a verb means to be waiting but ready to act . But keep in mind , that this sounds very official . We probably would not tell our family and friends to “stand by ,” unless it was an emergency or as part of an important event . When we stand by people we give them the support they need to get through a difficult time . It is important to stand by your families and friends . Just as long as you stand , stand by me So darling , darling , stand by me , stand by me , Oh stand by me stand by me