on the sidelines
Not actively participating
On the sidelines means watching rather than participating.
The phrase comes from sports, where players not in the game wait at the field's edge.
It extends to anyone excluded from or choosing not to join an activity: She stayed on the sidelines during the debate.
To sit on the sidelines often implies missing an opportunity or being sidelined against one's will.
- benchShared seating surface
- on the benchInactive but available
- warming the benchReserved as backup player
- spectatorObserver at an event
- watchingActively looking at something
looking in · waiting · wait and see · sitting out · observer · benched · inactive · out of action · reserved · coach · substitute · backup · peripheral · margin · bystander · dugout · injured · sidelined
- Sitting Outbenched, sidelined, on the bench, sitting idle, out of action
- footballfootball, touchdown, field goal, quarterback, end zone
- participationjoin in, take part, membership, attendance, voting
on the sidelinesin the game
Actively participating
in the thick of it · participating · engaged · in action · hands-on
on the sidelinescenter stage
Position of maximum attention
in the spotlight · in the limelight · front and center · at the helm · in the driver's seat
sideline, sidelines, side, sides, sided, siding, sidelong, sideways, sidebar