Sideline: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'sideline' to refer to an activity or job that someone does in addition to their main work. Often used when the secondary activity brings some extra income.

• He works as a teacher but has a sideline as a freelance writer.
• She started a small business on the sideline to make extra money.

Use 'secondary activity' to describe an activity that is not the primary focus but still important. Often used in personal development or leisure contexts.

• Reading books has become my secondary activity after work.
• His secondary activity is volunteering at animal shelters.

Use 'additional task' when referring to extra work assigned to someone that is not part of their usual duties.

• The manager gave me an additional task to complete by the end of the day.
• I have an additional task to finish before leaving the office.

Use 'sidetrack' to describe something that diverts attention or distracts from the main issue or goal. This has a negative connotation.

• The conversation about finances sidetracked us from the main topic.
• Don't let minor issues sidetrack you from your goals.

Often used to describe an activity or job that someone does in addition to their main job or activity. Can also refer to the side boundary lines of a sports field.

• She writes articles as a sideline to her main job as a teacher.
• The coach stood on the sideline, shouting instructions to the players.

Used to describe an additional article that appears alongside the main text in a publication. Typically provides supplementary information or context.

• The accompanying article provided further insights into the research study mentioned in the main piece.
• Readers can also check out the accompanying article for more detailed information.

Describes an additional part or segment that complements the main piece of content. Commonly used in magazines, newspapers, and digital publications to provide extra value.

• The supplementary feature included interviews with experts in the field.
• This month's issue has a supplementary feature on summer travel destinations.

A smaller piece of text or information placed next to the main text in a publication. Often highlights additional, relevant content or context. Also used in digital media to refer to a section on the side of a webpage.

• The newspaper included a sidebar with quick facts about the event.
• On the website, you can find related links in the sidebar.

Often used in sports to describe a player who is not actively participating in the game but is on the side, ready to join if needed. It can also refer to being excluded from the main activity or job.

• He was sidelined due to an injury and couldn’t play in the final match.
• The new manager decided to sideline some of the old staff members.

Typically used in sports to indicate players who are not in the starting lineup but are available to play. Also can be used generally to mean a break or exclusion from active participation.

• The coach benched him for poor performance during practice.
• She was benched from the project after missing several deadlines.

Used when one thing or person is used in place of another, especially temporarily. Common in both everyday situations and educational or culinary contexts.

• She couldn’t come to class, so the school called in a substitute teacher.
• You can use honey as a substitute for sugar in this recipe.

Used when one person or thing takes the place of another. It can be used in a variety of contexts including work, everyday situations, and objects.

• They needed to replace the old equipment with new machines.
• John will replace Sarah while she’s on maternity leave.