# sideways pass

CEFR B2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sideways-pass
Updated: 2026-08-05

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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).

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.