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

Few if any producers have committed to boost output yet, but if prices rise enough, it’s hard to imagine they sit on the sidelines for long.

From Barron's

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he met Rubio on Friday morning on the sidelines of the G7 meeting, writing that America's role in "advancing peace efforts remains critical".

From BBC

Discovery, but increased content investments and competition mean investors should wait on the sidelines for now, says a Wells Fargo analyst.

From Barron's

After three years of sluggish sales, there’s plenty of pent-up demand on the sidelines, while an increase in home inventory could lead to lower prices, which would offset some of the cost pressures of higher mortgage rates, Rindos wrote.

From Barron's

After three years of sluggish sales, there’s plenty of pent-up demand on the sidelines, while an increase in home inventory could lead to lower prices, which would offset some of the cost pressures of higher mortgage rates, Rindos wrote.

From Barron's