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]

---

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

This term, he has spent a long period on the sidelines injured.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Speaking on the sidelines of an IMO maritime protection committee meeting, Dominguez said he was in contact with "all the countries of the region", including Iran.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The kids on the sidelines made way as McNab stomped off the field, past the dugout and into the woods between the field and the creek.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli