# sidekick

/ˈsaɪdˌkɪk/ (US) · /sˈaɪdkɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sidekick
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a loyal assistant

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person who helps a more important person, often going everywhere with them.

For teachers: a subordinate partner or assistant who accompanies a superior or more prominent individual.

- The detective and his loyal sidekick arrived at the crime scene together.
- Throughout the campaign, the candidate was rarely seen without his trusted sidekick, who managed the press and handled minor crises.

Usage: Usually refers to a person in a supporting role rather than an equal partner.

Teaching tip: While common in fiction, using this for a real colleague can sound slightly belittling as it implies they are less important.

### 2. fictional companion

noun · CEFR B2

a character in a book or movie who helps the main hero and makes them look better.

For teachers: a character in a narrative who serves as a foil to the protagonist, highlighting their traits through contrast or support.

- Robin is the most famous sidekick in comic book history.
- The author used the protagonist's sidekick to provide comic relief and to ask the questions the audience might be thinking.

## Examples

- The hero and his sidekick saved the city from the villain.
- Every great detective in fiction seems to have a loyal sidekick to help solve the most difficult cases.
- While the protagonist receives most of the glory, the narrative often relies on the sidekick to provide necessary technical support or moral grounding during the journey.

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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.