Sideline
'saɪdlaɪn
Definitions
3 meaningsA line that marks the side boundary of a field or area, especially in sports.
'saɪdlaɪn
A line marking the side of a playing field or area.
The coach paced along the sideline, shouting instructions to the team.
💡 Simply: Imagine a soccer game. The sideline is the line where the players go to the *side* of the field or the coaches sit, and the ball often goes *over* this line.
👶 For kids: The side line is the line on the side of the field. Like in football, the players go to the sideline if they get hurt.
More Examples
The referee signaled that the ball was out of bounds, just over the sideline.
The fans watched the game intently from the sidelines.
How It's Used
"The players gathered near the sideline for the coach's instructions."
"The speaker was standing near the sideline. "
A position of inactivity, often due to injury, lack of opportunity, or exclusion.
'saɪdlaɪn
A position where a person is not actively involved.
Due to the budget cuts, many projects were put on the sidelines.
💡 Simply: Imagine you can't play a game because you're sick or hurt. You're on the *sidelines*, watching everyone else have fun.
👶 For kids: If you have to sit out of a game because you're hurt, you're on the sideline.
More Examples
After his injury, he spent the season on the sidelines.
The company was on the sidelines during the merger talks.
How It's Used
"After the injury, he was on the sidelines for the rest of the season."
"The party has been on the sidelines watching the new developments."
To remove someone or something from active participation or consideration.
'saɪdlaɪn
To put someone or something on the sidelines.
The coach decided to sideline the player for disciplinary reasons.
💡 Simply: If a player is doing something wrong or is injured, the coach will *sideline* him. This means the player has to sit on the bench and not play. The coach puts the player to the *side*.
👶 For kids: To sideline means to make someone sit on the side or not play anymore. Like if a teacher sidelines a student because they are acting up.
More Examples
The company sidelined the project due to lack of funding.
He was sidelined from the project after he disagreed with the boss.
How It's Used
"The coach sidelined the star player due to a minor injury."
"His bad behavior meant he was sidelined by his manager."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
from the sidelines
Observing a situation but not directly involved.
"He watched the debate from the sidelines."
From 'side' + 'line', referring to a line marking the edge of a playing field or other area. Initially used in sports and later extended to figurative meanings.
Initially used in sports contexts, the term's figurative meanings developed in the mid-20th century, expanding its use in business and politics.
Memory tip
Think of the line that defines the *side* of the field.
Word Origin
"side (edge) + line (boundary)"