# spectator sport

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/spectator-sport
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something, especially a process or activity, which is a popular object of observation; an activity which a person prefers to watch rather than to participate in.

## Examples

- For me, cooking is a spectator sport.
- My friends love playing football, but I prefer to make it a spectator sport.
- The intense political debate became a spectator sport for the public, who watched the candidates argue from the comfort of their living rooms.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.