sideways
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adv.moving or looking toward one side instead of forward or backward.
adv.directed toward or moving in a lateral direction.
Simple“The crab scurried sideways across the sand to reach the water.”
In context“The car skidded sideways on the icy patch, narrowly missing the barrier before the driver regained control.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.positioned so that the side of something is facing the front.
adv.oriented with a side toward the front or toward the viewer.
Simple“You have to turn the sofa sideways to get it through the narrow door.”
In context“The portrait depicts the subject sitting sideways, looking over her shoulder toward the artist with a faint smile.”
Synonymsedgewise - 03 C1 Advanced
adv.when a situation or plan starts to fail or become a problem.
adv.progressing in an unintended or negative direction; failing to achieve the desired outcome.
Simple“The party went sideways when the music stopped and people started arguing.”
In context“The negotiations went sideways after the lead consultant made a series of inflammatory remarks regarding the budget.”
Teacher's tipThis figurative use is very common in American business and social contexts to describe a plan falling apart.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.moving or pointing toward the side.
adj.relating to or moving toward the side; lateral in orientation.
Simple“He gave her a sideways glance to see if she was joking.”
In context“The architect suggested a sideways extension to the property to avoid encroaching on the protected garden space.”