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on the sidelines
01
in a state where one notices something but refuses to get oneself involved in it
What 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
The injured player had to reluctantly stand back and watch the game from the sidelines.
When it comes to the company's strategic decisions, John feels more comfortable offering advice from the sidelines rather than taking the lead.
The coach was known for his colorful vocabulary on the sidelines, much to the dismay of the referees.
The coach hurled instructions to his players from the sidelines.
It's easy to criticize from the sidelines, but if you truly believe in your ideas, it's time to put your money where your mouth is and actively contribute to finding solutions.
