WordGarden.iosideways
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈaɪdweɪz/
US
- /ˈsaɪdˌweɪz/
Meanings
Adverb
to, toward, or from the side; laterally
Adjective
turned, slanting, or facing to one side
Beyond the definition
Imagine trying to sneak a cookie when your mom isn't looking - you might glance sideways to see if she's watching! "Sideways" describes movement or position that is to the side, not straight ahead. It can be literal, like looking to your left or right, or figurative, meaning indirect. A sideways comment might be a small insult hidden inside a compliment. Sometimes things just go sideways, meaning they take an unexpected and often negative turn.
Think of a crab walking; it doesn't move straight forward, but scuttles sideways. Or think about hinting at something instead of saying it directly; that's approaching the topic sideways. The phrase "look sideways at someone" often means to look at them with suspicion or disapproval.
"Sideways" describes a direction or position that is to one side, rather than directly forward, backward, or straight on. It implies an angle, with the sense that something isn't lined up with the usual path. You might see a building leaning sideways after a storm, or walk sideways through a crowded room to avoid bumping into people.
But "sideways" is more than just physical orientation. It can also describe how things are approached or expressed. A sideways glance isn't direct eye contact; it's subtle and potentially revealing. To address an issue sideways means to tackle it indirectly, perhaps by talking around the problem instead of confronting it head-on.
The phrase "things went sideways" is a common idiom meaning that a situation took an unexpected turn for the worse—like a carefully planned road trip derailed by a flat tire and a sudden downpour. It suggests things have gone off-course and are now difficult to control. There's even a famous movie called Sideways about two friends on a wine-tasting road trip where, predictably, everything goes… well, sideways!
So whether describing physical position, subtle communication, or unexpected turns of events, "sideways" suggests something is off-center, indirect, or deviating from the norm.
Examples
- 1
Image orientation
The photo came out sideways, so I had to rotate it.
- 2
Physical movement
He stepped sideways to let the nurse pass.
- 3
Vehicle movement
The truck hit the curb and slid sideways across the wet road.
- 4
Suspicious look
She gave him a sideways glance when he mentioned quitting his job.
- Phrasesideways glance
a quick look that can show doubt, suspicion, or annoyance
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Plan failure
If the deal goes sideways, we'll need a backup plan.
- Phrasego sideways
start to fail or develop problems unexpectedly
- 6
Career move
After ten years in sales, she moved sideways into marketing.
- Phrasemove sideways
change to a different job at a similar level
See also
Similar
- sidewise
- laterally
- to the side
Shades of meaning
- obliquely
- slantwise
Contrast
- forward
- head-on
Used with (collocations)
- move sideways
- walk sideways
- turn sideways
- slide sideways
Word family
Explore
- lateral movement
- orientation
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sidewaysadjectiveadverb