(idiomatic) Toremainidle when action is needed, perhaps because of fear, ignorance, complacency, indecisiveness, or dislike of the person(s) or situation.
2023 March 8, Mel Holley, “TSSA accepts offer, but RMT sets new strike dates”, inRAIL, number978, page10:
"Ministers cannot continue tosit on their hands, hoping this dispute will go away. Our members are fully prepared to fight tooth-and-nail for a negotiated settlement," RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch has warned.
