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

See Examples For:

on the sidelines

The overlap figures to be among the most discussed subjects among central bankers on the sidelines of the Kansas City Fed’s annual symposium.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

He told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime: "If you go around the venues you see a lot of aggression and win-at-all-costs on the sidelines."

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

Buyers remain on the sidelines due to high borrowing costs; home sellers in many parts of the U.S. are consequently struggling to sell homes.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026

Enjoy your retirement with guys on the sidelines, and keep your football legacy alive and well.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026

Tough Will spent most of his games sitting on the sidelines eating orange slices.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds