onside

Everyday

1. In football, rugby and hockey, onside means in a position where you are allowed to play the ball; it is the opposite of offside. tree →
2. (informal, UK) To get someone onside is to get them to agree with you and support you. tree →

In the lessons

In PE and sport lessons; in everyday and news talk about winning people's support.

Examples

• The striker was onside when she scored. tree →
• The referee checked and said he was onside. tree →
• Stay onside until the ball is passed. tree →
• We need to get Mum onside before we ask Dad for a puppy. tree →
• The coach got the parents onside. tree →
• The goal counted because the winger was onside. tree →

Note

Opposite: offside. Also written «on side» in the second meaning.