sideline

American  

[sahyd-lahyn] / ˈsaɪdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a line at the side of something.

2. a business or activity pursued in addition to one's primary business; a second occupation.

3. an additional or auxiliary line of goods.

   a grocery store with a sideline of household furnishings.

4. Sports.

   1. either of the two lines defining the side boundaries of a field or court.

   2. sidelines, the area immediately beyond either sideline, where the substitute players sit.

5. sidelines, the position or point of view taken by a person who observes an activity or situation but does not directly participate in it.

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verb (used with object)

sidelined, sidelining

1. to render incapable of participation, especially in anything involving vigorous, physical action, as a sport.

   An injury to his throwing arm sidelined the quarterback for two weeks.

sideline British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. sport a line that marks the side boundary of a playing area

2. a subsidiary interest or source of income

3. an auxiliary business activity or line of merchandise

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verb

1. to prevent (a player) from taking part in a game

2. to prevent (a person) from pursuing a particular activity, operation, career, etc

Etymology

Origin of sideline

An Americanism dating back to 1685–95; side ¹ + line ¹

Example Sentences

“You basically have an environment where the economy is somewhat slowing” and the Fed is potentially “on the sidelines” keeping its benchmark rate steady on inflation risks, he said.

From MarketWatch

The Bulls announced on Feb. 21 that he would be sidelined for at least two weeks because of soreness in his left knee.

From Los Angeles Times

The geopolitical squeeze between the U.S. and China is focusing politicians’ minds, while the past year’s equity outperformance could entice savers off the sidelines.

From Barron's

Powell cautioned that the Fed might not be able to sit on the sidelines if rising prices shift the public’s expectations about inflation over time.

From The Wall Street Journal

And while previous TV adaptations root into the emotional interiority of their male characters while sidelining female desire, “The Forsytes” places more narrative purpose in the hands of its women.

From Salon