Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Sideline Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚽
Add to dictionary

sideline

[ˈsaɪd.laɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in sports

A secondary or supplementary activity; a job or task that is in addition to one's primary occupation. It can also refer to the area along the sides of a sports field or court.

Synonyms

additional task, secondary activity, sidetrack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sideline

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.
secondary activity

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.
additional task

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.
sidetrack

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.

Examples of usage

  • She took on a part-time job as a sideline to her main career.
  • The coach was pacing the sideline, shouting instructions to the players.
Context #2 | Noun

in journalism

An additional or accompanying article or feature, typically located alongside the main article in a publication.

Synonyms

accompanying article, sidebar, supplementary feature.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sideline

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.
accompanying article

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.
supplementary feature

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.
sidebar

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.

Examples of usage

  • The newspaper included a sidebar as a sideline to the main story.
  • The magazine featured a sidebar as a sideline to the main interview.
Context #3 | Verb

in sports

To remove (a player) from the field of play and bring on a substitute.

Synonyms

bench, replace, substitute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sideline

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.
bench

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.
substitute

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.
replace

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.

Examples of usage

  • The coach decided to sideline the star player due to an injury.
  • The team manager sidelined the striker in the second half.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In sports, players on the sideline are typically waiting for their chance to substitute into the game.
  • In football, the sidelines can also mark essential areas for referee calls and game strategy.
  • Sidelines can create a unique dynamic in team sports, as players contribute to the game's morale from the side.

Cultural References

  • In pop culture, being 'on the sidelines' often means not being directly involved in something exciting.
  • Movies and shows often depict characters learning valuable lessons while observing from the sidelines.
  • Books frequently use the concept of being on the sidelines to discuss life choices and social dynamics.

Education

  • Teachers may use 'sidelines' metaphorically to encourage students to understand different perspectives.
  • In educational settings, some learners take sideline roles to observe before participating in group activities.
  • The concept is crucial in developing critical thinking: observing can lead to better understanding.

Psychology

  • Being sidelined can impact one's self-esteem and motivation, particularly in competitive environments.
  • Observational learning is a psychological principle where individuals learn by watching those in action.
  • The sidelines can be a metaphor for feeling excluded and the emotional effects that follow.

Origin of 'sideline'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the combination of 'side' and 'line', meaning something that is to the side.
  • It was first recorded in use in the 17th century, primarily relating to sports.
  • The meaning evolved to represent both physical sidelines in sports and metaphorical sidelines in life.

The word 'sideline' originated in the sporting world, where it referred to the area along the sides of a sports field or court. Over time, it evolved to also describe a secondary or supplementary activity, such as a job or task that is in addition to one's primary occupation. In journalism, 'sideline' took on the meaning of an additional or accompanying article or feature, typically located alongside the main article in a publication. The verb form of 'sideline', meaning to remove a player from the field of play and bring on a substitute, is commonly used in sports contexts.

See also: aside, beside, downside, inside, outsider, side, sidearm, sidebar, sidekick, sidelong, sides, sidewalk, sideward, sideways, siding, subside.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,333, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.