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

While he normally stays on the sidelines for a full year after a new listing to let the initial IPO volatility settle, Graham made an exception for SpaceX.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

For many drivers, the average new-vehicle price of around $50,000 is enough to keep them on the sidelines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

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

I decided I’d look for Martha on the sidelines before each event, because I knew that if I had her in my line of sight, I wouldn’t mess up.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles