Search
on the sidelines
01
in a state where one notices something but refuses to get oneself involved in it
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "on the sidelines" and when to use it?
The idiom "on the sidelines" originates from the world of sports and games. It refers to the position of spectators or individuals who are not actively participating in the main activity. People on the sidelines observe from the periphery without directly being involved in the action, providing commentary or support. Over time, this sports-related expression has been used to describe individuals who are not actively participating in a situation or are not directly involved in an issue but are observing, commenting, or offering advice.
Example
Every soccer game had a ball boy ready on the sidelines.
The referee's controversial decision caused the coach to go ape on the sidelines, shouting and gesturing in anger.
She cheered from the sidelines as her son scored a goal in the final seconds of the lacrosse match, securing the team's victory.
He surveyed the gridiron from the sidelines, strategizing with his coaching staff on the best plays to outmaneuver the opposing team.
The security personnel monitored the event unobtrusively from the sidelines.
