ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sideways

adv. · adj.
US //ˈsaɪdˌweɪz// UK //sˈaɪdweɪz// side·ways
  1. 1 toward the side (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    moving or looking toward one side instead of forward or backward.

    directed toward or moving in a lateral direction.

    Example

    The crab scurried sideways across the sand to reach the water.

    Example

    The car skidded sideways on the icy patch, narrowly missing the barrier before the driver regained control.
  2. 2 with the side facing forward (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    positioned so that the side of something is facing the front.

    oriented with a side toward the front or toward the viewer.

    Example

    You have to turn the sofa sideways to get it through the narrow door.

    Example

    The portrait depicts the subject sitting sideways, looking over her shoulder toward the artist with a faint smile.
    • edgewise
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  1. 3 going wrong (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Informal American English

    when a situation or plan starts to fail or become a problem.

    progressing in an unintended or negative direction; failing to achieve the desired outcome.

    Example

    The party went sideways when the music stopped and people started arguing.

    Example

    The negotiations went sideways after the lead consultant made a series of inflammatory remarks regarding the budget.

    Teacher's tip

    This figurative use is very common in American business and social contexts to describe a plan falling apart.
  2. 4 lateral (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    moving or pointing toward the side.

    relating to or moving toward the side; lateral in orientation.

    Example

    He gave her a sideways glance to see if she was joking.

    Example

    The architect suggested a sideways extension to the property to avoid encroaching on the protected garden space.

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