ENGLISH
REFERENCE

one side

idiom
Meaning

A place where things are stored or reserved, as in


Origin

disputed origin

Probably short for "move to one side", that is to one side of a passageway.

Examples
SIMPLE

Please set your books one side while we clean the table.

CONTEXTUAL

The carpenter kept the best pieces of wood one side for his personal projects.

COMPLEX

She carefully placed the delicate antique ornaments one side, ensuring they remained protected from the chaos of the moving process.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as best one can

    In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.

  2. 02

    as far as one knows

    To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.

  3. 03

    back to square one

    Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.

  4. 04

    beat as one

    To share the same feelings.

  5. 05

    become one flesh

    To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.

  6. 06

    bite off more than one can chew

    To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.

  7. 07

    bite the big one

    To perform poorly; to fail.

  8. 08

    bite the hand that feeds one

    To cause harm to a benefactor (especially one that one is dependent on, thus with the idea that this behaviour is self-damaging).

Last updated April 17, 2026