What is the origin of the idiom "waiting game" and when to use it?

The idiom "waiting game" is derived from the concept of waiting as if it were a game with rules and strategies. It refers to a situation in which someone must remain patient and endure a period of waiting for an outcome or resolution, often due to circumstances beyond their control. This idiom is used to refer to the idea of patience and the need to endure a delay or uncertainty.