Definition

1. Adverb:

   • To, toward, or at one side: Moving or facing in a direction that is not forward or backward, but to the left or right.
   • From the side; obliquely: Viewed or approached from a lateral direction, rather than from the front or directly.
   • With one side forward or to the front: Positioned so that the side, rather than the front, is presented.

2. Adjective:

   • (Of movement) at an angle: Characterized by or involving motion to the side.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • The car skidded sideways on the icy road.
  • She glanced sideways at her friend to see his reaction.
  • He carried the large table sideways through the narrow door.

• Adjective:

  • The truck made a sideways movement to avoid the obstacle.
  • A strong gust of wind caused a sideways drift of the boat.

Advanced Usage

• "to look sideways at (someone/something)": To regard with suspicion, skepticism, or disapproval.
  • Many economists look sideways at the government's new fiscal policy.
• "sideways glance": A quick look to the side, often suggesting secrecy, curiosity, or suspicion.
  • He gave her a sideways glance, wondering if she knew the secret.

Variants and Related Words

• Sidewise (adverb/adjective): An alternative, less common form with the same meaning as 'sideways'.
  • The crab scuttled sidewise across the sand.
• Sideward (adverb/adjective): In a sideways direction.
• Lateral (adjective): Of, at, toward, or from the side or sides. (More formal synonym)

Synonyms

• Laterally: Toward the side.
• Obliquely: At an angle; not directly or straightforwardly.
• Edgeways/Edgewise: With the edge forward or uppermost (can imply a sideways orientation).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Move sideways: To shift position to the left or right.
  • The crowd had to move sideways to let the procession pass.
• Fall sideways: To collapse or drop onto one's side.
  • The toddler tripped and fell sideways onto the grass.

Related Idioms

• Knock (someone) sideways: To shock, astonish, or overwhelm someone.
  • The news of his sudden resignation knocked everyone sideways.
• Sideways market (Finance): A period when prices fluctuate within a narrow range, neither trending upward nor downward significantly.
  • Traders find it difficult to profit in a sideways market.

Adjective

1. (of movement) at an angle

Adverb

1. to, toward or at one side
   • darting eyes looking sidelong out of a wizened face
2. toward one side
   • the car slipped sideways into the ditch
   • leaning sideways
   • a figure moving sidewise in the shadows
3. from the side; obliquely
   • a picture lit sideways
   • scenes viewed sidewise
4. with one side forward or to the front
   • turned sideways to show the profile
   • crabs seeming to walk sidewise