sits idly by
Remains passively uninvolved
To sit idly by is to remain passive while something happens that might call for action or intervention.
The phrase carries implicit criticism—someone who sits idly by could act but chooses not to: How can you sit idly by while they destroy the neighborhood?
The international community sat idly by during the genocide.
- satWas seated
- bystanderOne who observes nearby
- complicityShared criminal involvement
- spectatorshipState of being onlooker
- looks the other wayIgnores something deliberately
apathy · indifference · complacency · turning a blind eye · inertia · neutrality · ripple effects · neglectfulness · negligence · disengagement · aloofness · acquiescence · cowardice · irresponsibility · stagnation · harm · oversight · detachment
sits idly bytakes action
Begins doing something
intervenes · acts · steps in · makes a move · pitches in
sits idly byparticipates
Takes an active role
engages · commits · takes part · joins in · wades in
sits idly bytakes charge
Begins directing others
seizes the initiative · takes the bull by the horns · steps up · spearheads · takes the reins
sit, sits, sitting, sitter, sitters, idle, idles, idled, idling