Top 30 Slang For Expectation – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expectations, sometimes words alone aren’t enough to capture the anticipation and excitement we feel. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the top slang terms for expectation that perfectly encapsulate those feelings. Whether you’re eagerly awaiting the release of a new movie or counting down the days until a long-awaited vacation, this list will have you nodding your head and saying, “Yep, that’s exactly how I feel!” So get ready to dive into this fun and relatable listicle that will have you laughing and nodding along.

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1. Presentiment

Presentiment refers to a feeling or intuition about something that is going to happen in the future. It is often a vague sense or premonition that something specific will occur.

For example, “I had a presentiment that I would run into my old friend at the party.”
A person might say, “I can’t explain it, but I have a presentiment that something bad is going to happen.”
Another might share, “I had a presentiment that I would win the competition, and I did!”

2. Augur

Augur is a verb that means to predict or foretell the future based on signs or omens. It can also refer to someone who is believed to have the ability to predict the future.

For instance, “The dark clouds augur a storm.”
A fortune teller might say, “I augur that you will receive good news tomorrow.”
A person might ask, “What do the tea leaves augur for my love life?”

3. Predict

Predict means to forecast or estimate what will happen in the future based on current information or past patterns. It involves making an educated guess about the outcome of a future event.

For example, “The weather forecast predicts rain for tomorrow.”
A sports analyst might predict the outcome of a game, saying, “I predict that the home team will win.”
A person might say, “Based on the trends, I predict that the stock market will continue to rise.”

4. Betoken

Betoken means to indicate or signify something, often as a sign or symbol of a future event. It implies that something specific will happen based on the current situation.

For instance, “The dark clouds betoken an approaching storm.”
A person might say, “The sudden silence in the room betokened something important.”
A black cat crossing your path is often considered to betoken bad luck.

5. Foretoken

Foretoken refers to a sign or omen that indicates or predicts something that will happen in the future. It suggests that a specific event or outcome is on the horizon.

For example, “The dream of a black bird foretokened a major life change.”
A person might say, “The sudden drop in temperature foretokens the arrival of winter.”
A dark and ominous sky can be a foretoken of an approaching storm.

6. Foretell

To predict or foresee something that will happen in the future. The term “foretell” is often used in a mystical or supernatural context.

For instance, a fortune teller might say, “I foretell that you will meet someone special in the near future.”
In a discussion about weather patterns, a meteorologist might state, “Based on the data, we can foretell a storm approaching.”
A person making a bold prediction might say, “I foretell that our team will win the championship this year.”

7. Forecast

To predict or estimate a future event or trend based on available information. “Forecast” is commonly used in weather reports and economic predictions.

For example, a meteorologist might say, “The forecast for tomorrow is sunny with a high of 75 degrees.”
A financial analyst might state, “Based on current market trends, we can forecast a decrease in stock prices.”
A person planning a trip might check the weather forecast to determine what to pack.

8. Bespeak

To indicate or suggest something that is likely to happen in the future. “Bespeak” is often used to describe signs or indications of a future outcome.

For instance, dark clouds and thunder bespeak an incoming storm.
In a discussion about body language, someone might say, “Her crossed arms and furrowed brow bespeak her displeasure.”
A person observing a person’s actions might note, “His confident stride and assertive tone bespeak his leadership qualities.”

9. Hype

To promote or advertise something with excessive enthusiasm or exaggeration. “Hype” is often used to create excitement or anticipation for a product, event, or idea.

For example, a movie trailer might hype up a film by using dramatic music and thrilling visuals.
A person might say, “The marketing team is really hyping this new smartphone as the best on the market.”
A fan of a music artist might exclaim, “I can’t wait for the concert! The hype is real!”

10. Hope

To have a strong desire or expectation for a positive outcome or result. “Hope” is a common slang term used to express optimism or anticipation.

For instance, a person might say, “I hope I get the job I interviewed for.”
In a discussion about a sports team, a fan might express, “I hope we win the championship this year.”
A person going on a blind date might say, “I hope it goes well and we have a connection.”

11. Waiting with bated breath

This phrase is used to describe the feeling of waiting for something with great excitement or anticipation. It implies holding one’s breath in suspense or excitement.

For example, “I’m waiting with bated breath to hear the results of my job interview.”
A person might say, “I’m waiting with bated breath for the release of my favorite band’s new album.”
Another might exclaim, “I’m waiting with bated breath to see if I got accepted into my dream college.”

12. Counting down the days

This phrase is used to express the act of eagerly counting the remaining days until a particular event or occasion.

For instance, “I’m counting down the days until my vacation to Hawaii.”
A person might say, “I’m counting down the days until my birthday party.”
Another might exclaim, “I’m counting down the days until the release of the new Marvel movie.”

13. High hopes

This phrase is used to describe a state of having great optimism or positive expectations about a future outcome or situation.

For example, “I have high hopes that my team will win the championship.”
A person might say, “I have high hopes for my job interview tomorrow.”
Another might exclaim, “I have high hopes that I’ll get accepted into my top-choice university.”

14. Great expectations

This phrase is used to describe a state of having high or grand expectations for a particular outcome or situation.

For instance, “She had great expectations for her wedding day.”
A person might say, “I have great expectations for this project to be successful.”
Another might exclaim, “He had great expectations for his new business venture.”

15. Waiting for the other shoe to drop

This phrase is used to describe the feeling of waiting for something bad or negative to happen, often after a series of positive events or circumstances.

For example, “After receiving good news about his promotion, he was waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
A person might say, “I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop after having a streak of good luck.”
Another might exclaim, “She’s waiting for the other shoe to drop after a period of peace and stability in her life.”

16. Waiting for the moment of truth

This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is eagerly waiting for an important event or outcome to occur.

For example, “I’ve been studying for weeks, and now I’m just waiting for the moment of truth: the final exam.”
In a job interview, a candidate might say, “I’m waiting for the moment of truth when they offer me the position.”
Someone waiting for their test results might say, “I’m anxiously waiting for the moment of truth to find out if I passed.”

17. Holding out hope

This phrase is used to convey the act of remaining hopeful and optimistic, despite uncertain or challenging circumstances.

For instance, “Even though it’s been a tough year, I’m still holding out hope for a better future.”
In a difficult situation, someone might say, “I’m holding out hope that everything will work out in the end.”
A person waiting for a response to a job application might say, “I’m still holding out hope that I’ll get the job.”

18. Waiting for the stars to align

This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is waiting for the perfect conditions or circumstances to occur before taking action or making a decision.

For example, “I’m waiting for the stars to align before I make a move on my crush.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We’re waiting for the stars to align before launching our new product.”
A person waiting for a sign to make a major life change might say, “I’m waiting for the stars to align before I quit my job and pursue my passion.”

19. Waiting for the magic to happen

This phrase is used to convey the act of eagerly anticipating a special or remarkable event or outcome to happen.

For instance, “I’m just waiting for the magic to happen on my vacation.”
In a creative project, someone might say, “I’m waiting for the magic to happen before I finalize my artwork.”
A person waiting for a breakthrough in their personal life might say, “I’m patiently waiting for the magic to happen and turn things around.”

20. Waiting for the big break

This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is eagerly waiting for a major opportunity or success to come their way.

For example, “I’ve been working hard for years, and now I’m just waiting for the big break in my career.”
In the entertainment industry, someone might say, “I’m waiting for the big break that will launch my acting career.”
A person hoping to achieve success in a specific field might say, “I’m patiently waiting for the big break that will open doors for me.”

21. Hoping against hope

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is clinging onto hope even though the chances of their desired outcome are very slim.

For example, “She’s hoping against hope that she’ll get accepted into her dream college, even though her grades are not the best.”
In a difficult situation, someone might say, “I’m hoping against hope that everything will work out in the end.”
When discussing a long-shot possibility, a person might mention, “I’m hoping against hope that I’ll win the lottery someday.”

22. Waiting for the dust to settle

This phrase is used to describe a period of waiting for a chaotic or unsettled situation to become more stable or clear.

For instance, “After the argument, they decided to wait for the dust to settle before making any decisions.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We’re waiting for the dust to settle before determining the next steps for our company.”
When discussing a conflict, a person might mention, “I’m just waiting for the dust to settle before addressing the issue.”

23. Waiting for the storm to pass

This phrase is used to describe a period of waiting for a challenging or difficult situation to come to an end.

For example, “During a rough patch in a relationship, it’s important to remember that you’re just waiting for the storm to pass.”
In a personal struggle, someone might say, “I’m just waiting for the storm to pass and for things to get better.”
When discussing a difficult time, a person might mention, “It’s hard, but we just have to keep waiting for the storm to pass.”

24. Waiting for the green light

This phrase is used to describe a period of waiting for the go-ahead or approval to move forward with a plan or action.

For instance, “The project is on hold right now. We’re just waiting for the green light from the boss.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We can’t start production until we receive the green light from the client.”
When discussing a decision-making process, a person might mention, “We’re waiting for the green light from the board of directors before finalizing our strategy.”

25. Waiting for the right moment

This phrase is used to describe a period of waiting for the perfect or ideal moment to take action or make a move.

For example, “She’s waiting for the right moment to propose to her partner.”
In a career context, someone might say, “I’m waiting for the right moment to ask my boss for a promotion.”
When discussing a strategic move, a person might mention, “We’re waiting for the right moment to launch our new product.”

26. High anticipation

This phrase describes a feeling of excitement and impatience while waiting for something to happen. It implies a strong belief that the anticipated event will be positive or enjoyable.

For example, “I’m in high anticipation for the release of the new Marvel movie.”
A person might say, “I’m filled with high anticipation for my vacation next week.”
Someone might express their high anticipation by saying, “I can’t wait to see what surprises the party has in store!”

27. Unrealistic expectations

This term refers to expectations that are unlikely to be met or achieved. It suggests that the person has set their hopes too high or is expecting something that is not feasible.

For instance, “She has unrealistic expectations of finding a perfect partner.”
A person might say, “Don’t have unrealistic expectations about your chances of winning the lottery.”
Someone might warn, “Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration.”

28. Daydreaming

Daydreaming refers to the act of letting one’s mind wander and imagining pleasant or exciting scenarios. It often involves envisioning a desired outcome or situation that may or may not be realistic.

For example, “I caught myself daydreaming about winning the lottery.”
A person might say, “Sometimes, I spend hours daydreaming about my future.”
Someone might confess, “I find daydreaming to be a great way to escape reality for a while.”

29. Envisioning

Envisioning means forming a mental image or concept of something that is expected or desired. It involves creating a detailed picture in one’s mind and imagining how it would look or feel.

For instance, “I spend a lot of time envisioning my dream house.”
A person might say, “Envisioning success can help motivate you to work towards your goals.”
Someone might share, “I enjoy envisioning different scenarios and possibilities for the future.”

30. Expecting the moon

This phrase is used to describe someone who has extremely high or unrealistic expectations. It implies that the person is asking for something that is impossible or beyond what is reasonable.

For example, “He’s expecting the moon if he thinks I can finish this project in one day.”
A person might say, “Don’t expect the moon from your employees; set realistic goals.”
Someone might comment, “She’s always expecting the moon and is never satisfied with what she has.”