side
one surface or boundary of something
One flat surface or edge of an object or place.
the [left/right/front/back] side of [something]
- The left side of the car was badly damaged.
- Please write your name on the top right side of the paper.
- There’s a crack along the side of the phone.
- We walked along the side of the river.
- The north side of the building gets more sunlight.
- The left side of my face hurts.
- There is a tree on the right side of the house.
- I sat on the other side of the table.
- The side of the box is open.
opposing position in a conflict
One group or position that is against another in a fight, game, or argument.
[someone/something] is on [someone's] side
- Both sides agreed to stop fighting.
- She always takes her brother’s side in arguments.
- Which side are you on in this debate?
- The two sides met to discuss peace terms.
- I am on your side.
- He is playing for the other side.
- We must choose a side in this game.
- Both sides want to win.
dish served with main course
A small dish you eat with the main food.
a side of [food]
- I ordered a burger with a side of fries.
- Would you like any sides with your steak?
- The fish comes with two sides and bread.
- I want a side of rice.
- We had chicken and three sides.
- I ordered soup as a side.
lateral part of torso
The part of your body between your ribs and hip on each side.
- He was hit in the side during the game.
- She felt a sharp pain in her right side.
- He lay on his side to sleep.
- My left side hurts.
- He sleeps on his side.
- I have pain in my right side.
support one group over another
To choose to support one person or group against another.
to side with [someone/something]
- She sided with her friend during the disagreement.
- Most voters sided with the reformers.
- He decided to side with management instead of the workers.
- I will side with you.
- She sided with her brother in the fight.
- They sided with us in the game.
- Base: side
- Plural: sides
- Base: side
- 3rd Person Singular: sides
- Present Participle: siding
- Past: sided
by your side
1physically close for support or presence
Next to someone to give help or be with them.
- I’ll be by your side no matter what happens.
- He stood by her side during the ceremony.
side by side
1next to each other facing same way
Close together and facing the same way.
- The two houses stood side by side.
- They worked side by side to finish the project.
take sides
1choose one position in a conflict
To choose to support one person or group against another.
- I don’t want to take sides in their argument.
- She always takes sides without knowing all the facts.
err on the side of caution
1choose the safer option
To be more careful than necessary, so that you are safe, instead of taking a risk.
- Let’s err on the side of caution and bring extra supplies.
- When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
- Doctors often err on the side of caution when treating new illnesses.
- Doctors often err on the side of caution when treating very young children.
- We decided to err on the side of caution and cancel the event due to the storm.
err on the side of caution
2choose the safer side
To do something in a safer way than necessary because you are not sure and want to avoid any risk.
- When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
- The school decided to err on the side of caution and cancel classes during the storm.
- Doctors often err on the side of caution when treating very young children.
on the other hand
1introducing a contrast between ideas
Used to introduce an opposite or different idea from what was said before.
- I like living in the city. On the other hand, it can be very noisy.
- I like city life. On the other hand, it can be stressful.
- He might agree. On the other hand, he could refuse.
- He seems strict, but on the other hand, he cares deeply about his students.
- He’s very talented. On the other hand, he can be lazy.
on the other hand
2introducing an opposite view
Used to introduce an opposite idea or fact.
- I love city life. On the other hand, it can be very stressful.
- He’s very talented. On the other hand, he lacks experience.
on the other hand
5contrasting point
Use this when you want to show the other side of an argument.
- The apartment is small. On the other hand, it is close to work.
- The plan could save money; on the other hand, it may take longer.
- Some people enjoy working from home. On the other hand, others miss the office.