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

Private-equity dealmaking also slowed down as buyers chose to sit on the sidelines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

From the England team that played at Lord's, Stokes, Atkinson and Robinson will definitely miss out at The Oval and could be joined on the sidelines by Bashir and Smith.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

For many drivers, the average new-vehicle price of around $50,000 is enough to keep them on the sidelines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the trade group, the National Association of Realtors, says would-be buyers may not want to stay on the sidelines.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

She explained to him the reasons I couldn’t play and asked if there was some way I could be involved on the sidelines.

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge