IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishon the sidelines
Meaning: Not taking an active part; left out.
Example: “After the reorganization, she was left on the sidelines.”
Origin: From sports, where substitutes and spectators stand along the lines at the side of the field. The figurative use is from the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Être mis sur la touche Literally: To be put on the touchline
More English idioms
- a stab in the back A betrayal by someone one trusted.
- the light at the end of the tunnel A sign that a long, difficult period is ending.
- freeze one's butt off To be extremely cold.
- be in clover To live in comfort and luxury.
- go downhill To get steadily worse.
- hightail it To leave in a great hurry.
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