keep (one) waiting

keep (one) waiting

To force one to wait to get something or for something to happen. We were asked to be at the court at 9 AM for the hearing, but they kept us waiting for over three hours. Sorry I kept you waiting—my car ran out of gas halfway here.See also: keep, waiting

keep somebody ˈwaiting

make somebody wait or be delayed, especially because you arrive late: I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.See also: keep, somebody, waiting