1.
when the time comes; when the opportunity arises; at the right moment
An expression meaning to wait for an appropriate moment before taking action. Implies patience and timing rather than immediate action.
折を見て相談します。
I'll consult with you when the time is right.
折を見て上司に報告しようと思っている。
I'm planning to report to my supervisor when the opportunity arises.
忙しそうだったので、折を見て声をかけることにした。
Since they looked busy, I decided to speak to them when the moment was right.
A set expression built on 折 (occasion, opportunity) and 見て (watching for). Expresses the idea of waiting for a suitable opening rather than acting immediately. Common in both business and everyday contexts.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 折を見て + verb: to do something when the time is right
- 折を見て伝える: to tell someone when the opportunity arises
- 折を見て訪ねる: to visit when the time comes
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 機会を見て: when the opportunity comes — similar but slightly more formal
- 頃合いを見て: judging the right moment — emphasizes reading the situation
- タイミングを見て: watching for the right timing — more casual, uses loanword
- 折に触れて: from time to time; whenever the occasion arises — means repeatedly, not just once
REGISTER:
Polite and measured. Often used in workplace communication to signal that one will act thoughtfully rather than rushing.