sidelines

British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌlaɪnz /

plural noun

1. sport the area immediately outside the playing area, where substitute players sit

2. the peripheral areas of any region, organization, etc

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sidelines Idioms  

1. see on the sidelines.

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Example Sentences

“There’s a difference between a Christian and a churchgoer. There’s no way Jesus sits on the sidelines while violence against vulnerable and marginalized people is occurring.”

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

McAlear’s father retired from a career at Chrysler, he said in an interview on the sidelines of the auto show this week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

"Visually watching Mikel on the sidelines, it was elements of previous years where that energy reflected into the team," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Fresh pension-fund buying would come as retail investors have moved to the sidelines during the latest bout of stock-market volatility.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

I took a short swim, got out of the water, sat on the sidelines and read while Grandpa was teaching Ethan how to dive.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg