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

On both occasions, Beijing has been left on the sidelines as an observer, incapable of helping those within its orbit.

From BBC

“While a major escalation isn’t priced in, overall expectations have been reset by the extended sideways move. If tensions calm, there’s enough pessimism on the sidelines that the market could return to the positive.”

From Barron's

Between them, they were gardeners, lovers of history and regulars on the sidelines at their children’s games.

From The Wall Street Journal

If, on top of these reserves, “you have cash on the sidelines, you may want to consider this a ‘buy the dip’ opportunity to add to your portfolio,” if the market falls, he said.

From MarketWatch

High home prices and elevated mortgage rates kept many aspiring home buyers on the sidelines, and many homeowners from selling their properties, in 2025.

From MarketWatch