Word
onside
Phoneticson·side
UK/ˈɒnsaɪd/
Definition
adj. in a position where you are ready to play or support someone. In sports like rugby, it also means being in a legal position to receive a pass.
adj. positioned in a way that allows for legal participation or support. In rugby, specifically refers to a player being in a position to receive a pass without being offside.
Examples
“The team is finally onside and ready to win.”
“After the coach explained the new strategy, the players felt onside with the plan and started practicing immediately.”
“The quarterback waited for the wide receiver to be onside before releasing the ball, ensuring the play would not be called for a penalty by the referees.”
Examples
simple
“The team is finally onside and ready to win.”
contextual
“After the coach explained the new strategy, the players felt onside with the plan and started practicing immediately.”
complex
“The quarterback waited for the wide receiver to be onside before releasing the ball, ensuring the play would not be called for a penalty by the referees.”
Real-World Examples
“Lamine Yamal stayed onside to collect another Olmo pass and put away Barça’s fifth.” “But before we get to all that, Büchner has got to get the room onside.” Etymology
From on + side.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/onside