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

On top of the performance and result, influential winger Jota made his long-awaited return from injury after almost 18 months on the sidelines and it was the Portuguese who led the post-match celebrations.

From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026

“It kind of makes intuitive sense. If you are an investor and on the sidelines, you are watching the market get away from you,” he said.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 11, 2026

But they had remained largely on the sidelines of the war between the U.S. and Iran until a ceasefire in Yemen unraveled in July.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

With the U.S. on the sidelines, Saudi Arabia has turned to other nations, including Turkey and Pakistan, with which it recently signed a tripartite, NATO-style mutual defense agreement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026

That’s because Martha no longer insisted that everyone be so stern-faced on the sidelines.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles