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

See Examples For:

on the sidelines

Enjoy your retirement with guys on the sidelines, and keep your football legacy alive and well.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026

In other words, the housing market is feeling the blow from rising mortgage rates, as buyers have found another reason to wait on the sidelines.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026

Zidane waited five years on the sidelines for the position, refusing all other coaching offers that came his way.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

It is not clear how long the 30-year-old will spend on the sidelines, but one thing new boss Enzo Maresca was clear on in his first news conference was that he wants to keep him.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

The group looked at me, seemingly all at once, since I was now the only person on the sidelines.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore