laying low and waiting for one's chance
A figurative expression likening a patient, opportunistic strategy to waiting for a persimmon to ripen and fall. Often used in political or strategic contexts.
He followed a wait-and-see approach, not making a move until the right opportunity came.
静観 means 'watchful waiting' or 'sitting on the fence' without the specific nuance of waiting for something to ripen or fall into one's lap.
漁夫の利 refers to gaining an advantage from a conflict between others, while 熟柿主義 emphasizes patiently waiting for the right moment to act.
Compound of 熟柿 (ripe persimmon) + 主義 (principle, doctrine). The phrase evokes the image of waiting for a persimmon to become fully ripe and fall naturally, rather than picking it prematurely.