Onside Meaning in English
word
Definition
In sports, especially soccer, a player is "onside" if they are in a legal position to play the ball, according to the rules. It means they have not committed an offside violation.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in soccer/football, rugby, and hockey to describe being in a legal scoring or playing position. In other contexts, 'onside' may refer to being supportive, but this is rare. Always paired with specific sports verbs: 'stay onside', 'keep onside'. Opposite: 'offside'.
Example Sentences
The referee said the striker was onside when he scored.
basic
Make sure you stay onside during the play.
basic
All defenders must be onside before the ball is played.
basic
He always times his run perfectly to stay onside.
natural
It was a close call, but the replay showed she was onside.
natural
Coaches yell from the sideline to keep the players onside.
natural