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

"There's clearly an intention to not have discussion around the crimes that were committed and to prevent people from speaking about them," Abraham told AFP on the sidelines of the Venice Film Festival last week.

From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026

Standing on the sidelines, the 25-year-old girlfriend of head coach Bill Belichick wore a Carolina jersey that had been fashioned into a crop top and a bedazzled football purse.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

Zverev's parents were not there for his previous final at Flushing Meadows, but his father and coach Alexander senior was on the sidelines this time.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

The Dodgers’ injury woes grew Wednesday when first baseman Freddie Freeman joined Shohei Ohtani on the sidelines with a right knee issue.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2026

I was already leaning toward some type of political involvement, but I did not know what or how, and I lingered on the sidelines, uncertain what to do.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela