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

Factoring in Scott McTominay's stomach bug this week, could Clarke leave one of his leading men on the sidelines for the biggest game the nation has seen in almost three decades?

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the trade group, the National Association of Realtors, says would-be buyers may not want to stay on the sidelines.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

The root cause was economics: Construction costs exceeded achievable sale prices, creating an appraisal gap that kept builders on the sidelines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

The “space craze” was what lured Space Investor back to stock picking after a decade on the sidelines.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

It would be more correct to say that since neither needed a claque I was forgotten on the sidelines.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou