on the side
Definition
Adverb 1. In addition to one's main job or activity; as a secondary or unofficial source of income or benefit. 2. Separately from the main item or course; as an extra.
Usage
The phrase "on the side" is used to describe something done in addition to a primary activity, often secretly or unofficially. It can refer to extra work, an additional dish ordered with a meal, or a secondary, sometimes hidden, aspect of a situation.
Examples
- He works as a teacher, but he fixes computers on the side to earn extra money.
- I'll have the steak, with a salad on the side, please.
- She's married, but rumor has it she's seeing someone on the side.
Advanced Usage
- "A little something on the side": This idiom often refers specifically to money earned unofficially or to a secret romantic affair.
- The waiter gets good tips, but he makes a little something on the side by selling concert tickets.
- Used to describe a secondary, often contrasting, characteristic or role.
- He's a serious lawyer, but he's also a stand-up comedian on the side.
Variants and Related Words
- Side (noun): Can mean a secondary or less important part, or a position to the left or right of something.
- Side hustle (noun, informal): A piece of work or a job done in addition to one's main job to earn extra income.
Synonyms
- As a sideline
- Additionally
- Extra
- Unofficially
- Covertly (when implying secrecy)
Related Phrases
- On the side of the angels: Supporting the morally good or righteous position in a conflict.
- Erring on the side of caution: Choosing the safest course of action when uncertain.
Idioms
- Have something on the side: To have a secret, often romantic, relationship outside of one's primary partnership.
- Their marriage ended when she found out he had someone on the side.
- Come down on the side of (someone/something): To decide to support a particular person, group, or opinion.
- After much deliberation, the committee came down on the side of funding the new library.
Adverb
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without official authorization
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he had made some money on the side
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