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

With the Fed on the sidelines amid uncertainty over the inflationary impact of the war, it’s an important measure of how the U.S. economy weathered the second full month since fighting began.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Earlier this week, Ryoo Sang-dai, a senior BOK deputy governor, said on the sidelines of an Asian Development Bank meeting in Uzbekistan that it is time to consider ending the easing cycle and raising rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The agreement was also signed by her Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic on the sidelines of a Three Seas Initiative summit in Dubrovnik.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Consigned to the Arsenal bench after starting - and scoring - on the opening day, Kelly then spent the best part of four months on the sidelines with a knee problem.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Several European countries, watching and waiting on the sidelines, would soon choose sides.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman