choose sides Definition

side
noun

1. Any of the usually flat or flattish surfaces that form the outer extent of something; any of these surfaces other than the front, back, top or bottom.

Thesaurus: surface, plane, face, facet, flank, slant.
2. An edge or border, or the area adjoining this.

Example: My car's at the side of the road
Thesaurus: edge, rim, boundary, border, margin, perimeter, limit, verge.
3. Either of the parts or areas produced when the whole is divided up the middle.

Example: I'll take the left side of the room
4. The part of the body between the armpit and hip.

Example: He's paralysed down his left side
5. The area of space next to someone or something.

Example: He's round the side of the house
Example: He stayed by my side the whole evening
6. Half of a carcass divided along the medial plane.

Example: a side of beef
7. Either of the broad surfaces of a flat or flattish object.

Example: two sides of a coin
8. Any of the lines forming a geometric figure.
9. Any of the groups or teams, or opposing positions, in a conflict or competition.

Thesaurus: party, faction, team, camp, contestants.
10. An aspect.

Example: We've seen a different side to him
11. The slope of a hill.
12. The wall of a vessel, container or cavity.
13. A part of an area of land; district.

Example: I live in the north side of the town
14. The father's or mother's family or ancestors.

Example: She's related to him on her mother's side
15. A page.

Example: My essay covered 5 sides
(Brit)
16. colloq
Television channel.
17. Either of the two playing surfaces of a record or cassette.
18. In billiards, snooker, etc: spin given to a ball causing it to swerve and regulating its angle of rebound. Also called sidespin.
19. slang
A pretentious or superior air.

adj

1. Located at the side.

Example: side entrance
2. Subsidiary or subordinate.

Example: a side issue
Example: side road
Thesaurus: indirect, secondary, subordinate, incidental, marginal, subsidiary, contingent; Antonym: significant.

verb

sided, siding
1. To take on their position or point of view; to join forces with them.

Thesaurus: agree with, support, favour, second, incline to.
Form: side with someone (usually)

Derivative: sided
adj

Note: in compounds
Having a specified number of sides.
Example: one-sided argument
Example: a three-sided shape

Derivative: bit on the side

See separate entry.

Idiom: choose sides

To select teams.

Idiom: let the side down

To fail one's colleagues or associates, or frustrate their efforts, by falling below their standards.

Idiom: on one side (to one side)

Removed to a position away from the main concern; put aside.

Idiom: on the side

In addition to or apart from ordinary occupation or income, often dishonest or illegal.

Idiom: on the ... side

colloq
Rather ...; of a ... nature.
Example: I found his comments a bit on the offensive side
Example: I thought his speech was a bit on the long side

Idiom: put on side

To assume or take on pretentious airs.

Idiom: side by side

Close together.

With sides touching.

Idiom: take sides

To support one particular side in a conflict, argument or dispute.

Idiom: this side of ...

Between here or now and ...; short of ....
Example: I doubt I'll see him this side of Tuesday

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon.