on the side
The phrase 'on the side' is versatile, often used to describe additional activities, secretive actions, or food accompaniments.
Definition
B2Work and Income
(informal)In addition to one's main job or activity, often as a secondary source of income or interest.
Example
- She teaches yoga classes on the side while working full-time as a nurse.
B2Relationships
(informal, discreet)Secretly or discreetly, often referring to an extramarital affair or hidden activity.
Example
- He was discovered to have a girlfriend on the side.
B1Food
(culinary)As an accompaniment to a main dish, usually referring to food served separately.
Example
- Can I get the salad on the side, please?
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on the side":
on sideside orderother sideone sideside beton one's sideon the other side ofside by sideside moneyside noteon the outsidewrong sideright sideoff sideflip sidenext toon the edgethe wrong side ofstand asidechoose sideson the tableon theerr on the side ofoutside edgeside flashput asideback burnerstep asidemove sidewaysoutside ofin a cornerto the lefton the line