Word
sideways
Phoneticsside·ways, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsaɪdˌweɪz/
UK/sˈaɪdweɪz/
Definitions
01toward the side
B1 · Intermediate
adv. moving or looking toward one side instead of forward or backward.
adv. directed toward or moving in a lateral direction.
“The crab scurried sideways across the sand to reach the water.”
“The car skidded sideways on the icy patch, narrowly missing the barrier before the driver regained control.”
Synonyms
02with the side facing forward
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.
“You have to turn the sofa sideways to get it through the narrow door.”
“The portrait depicts the subject sitting sideways, looking over her shoulder toward the artist with a faint smile.”
Synonyms
03going wrong
C1 · Advanced Informal · American English
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.
“The party went sideways when the music stopped and people started arguing.”
“The negotiations went sideways after the lead consultant made a series of inflammatory remarks regarding the budget.”
Teaching tip
This figurative use is very common in American business and social contexts to describe a plan falling apart.
04lateral
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. moving or pointing toward the side.
adj. relating to or moving toward the side; lateral in orientation.
“He gave her a sideways glance to see if she was joking.”
“The architect suggested a sideways extension to the property to avoid encroaching on the protected garden space.”
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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