on the side
Idioms-
In addition to the main portion of something; also, in addition to one's regular job. For example, He ordered some French fries on the side , or She often prepared tax returns on the side . [Second half of 1800s]
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The first question is whether you’re genuinely passionate about investing, or just trying to grow money on the side while working a full-time job.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
Once that axiom is treated as constitutional common sense, public safety appears already on the side of the enforcement vehicle.
From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026
"To think he was nearly dead on the side of the road when the accident happened... to being the world champion," he said.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
Two years since his breakout at Euro 2024, where he embarrassed defenders for fun and still finished his homework on the side, the country’s youngest showstopper has gone oddly quiet.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
Ma blushes, serves cake with cream on the side.
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
