ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sideline

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsaɪdˌɫaɪn// UK //sˈaɪdlaɪn// side·line

n. the line that marks the side of a sports field. It also refers to a job or activity you do in addition to your main work.

n. the boundary line extending along the side of a playing field; by extension, a secondary occupation or interest pursued alongside a primary career.


SIMPLE

The coach stood on the sideline shouting instructions.

CONTEXTUAL

She works as a lawyer but has a profitable sideline selling handmade jewelry online.

COMPLEX

While the athlete was forced to watch from the sideline due to injury, he began developing a business sideline in sports commentary that eventually became his full-time profession.

Synonyms
Origin

From side + line.

Usage

Often used in the plural ('the sidelines') when referring to the area just outside the field of play.

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