Word
sideways pass
Definition
compound. a move in sports or business where you send something to the side rather than forward. It often means you are playing safe instead of trying to score or make progress.
compound. a lateral transfer of a ball, responsibility, or position that does not result in forward advancement. In a corporate context, it refers to a job change at the same hierarchical level.
Examples
“The midfielder made a quick sideways pass to his teammate.”
“Instead of a promotion, she was offered a sideways pass to the marketing department.”
“The team's reliance on the sideways pass drew boos from the crowd, who were frustrated by the lack of attacking intent.”
Examples
simple
“The midfielder made a quick sideways pass to his teammate.”
contextual
“Instead of a promotion, she was offered a sideways pass to the marketing department.”
complex
“The team's reliance on the sideways pass drew boos from the crowd, who were frustrated by the lack of attacking intent.”
Usage
commonly used in football (soccer) and corporate HR contexts.
Teaching tip
explain the metaphorical link between sports (avoiding risk by passing left or right) and careers (moving to a new role without a pay rise or higher rank).
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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