on the sidelines

Idioms  

1. Observing rather than taking part, out of the action, as in Bolivia's neighbors remained on the sidelines, waiting to see which faction in the dispute would prevail. This idiom comes from sports. The sidelines are the two lines defining the sides of the court or playing field and the area immediately beyond them where, in such sports as football, the non-playing team members sit. [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Against that backdrop, many economists think the BOT could stay on the sidelines for the rest of the year, keeping monetary settings loose to support the fragile economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

While he normally stays on the sidelines for a full year after a new listing to let the initial IPO volatility settle, Graham made an exception for SpaceX.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

Pope was speaking on the sidelines of the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

Such spells on the sidelines have kept the eyes of the world at arm's length, but on his major finals debut he was in full focus.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

I stretched and bounced up and down on the sidelines, keeping to myself.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds