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

This came despite talks between U.S. and Iranian representatives on the sidelines of a U.N. meeting.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had left the door open to the prospect of Trump meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the event.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026

Trump said UK-US relations are "more up now" that Burnham is in power, following their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

Trump and Burnham shook hands as they met for the first time on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

From Barron's

He stayed on the sidelines, walked along the chalked edges of the field.

From "Wringer" by Jerry Spinelli