lying in wait

(noun) the act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise. Synonyms: ambush, ambuscade, lying in wait, trap.

(verb) wait in hiding to attack. Synonyms: ambush, scupper, bushwhack, waylay, lurk, ambuscade, lie in wait.

(adj) waiting in concealment; in ambush. Synonyms: lying in wait. Example: "An army lying in wait in the forest."