on the sidelines
US /ɑn ðə ˈsaɪdˌlaɪnz/
UK /ɑn ðə ˈsaɪdˌlaɪnz/
1.
袖手旁观, 置身事外
not actively involved in something; observing rather than participating
:
•
He preferred to stay on the sidelines during the heated debate.
在激烈的辩论中，他宁愿袖手旁观。
•
Many investors are currently sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the market to stabilize.
许多投资者目前袖手旁观，等待市场稳定。