on the sidelines

Idioms

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]

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.

Bernstein’s Stacy Rasgon stayed on the sidelines as well.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

This happened on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank's spring meetings, which brought finance ministers, central bankers and other leaders to Washington.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

He also wants his firm to have capital on the sidelines in case of an economic slowdown.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

On Wednesday, UK chancellor Rachel Reeves voiced outspoken criticism of the war on Iran, pointing to rising prices and the impact on growth, in a media interview on the sidelines of the IMF meeting.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Everybody on the sidelines got a good laugh over that one.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023