Meaning & use
go sideways
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Meanings
phraseintransitiveinformal
To start to go wrong or become chaotic, often suddenly.
Grammar: Used without an object, usually after a subject like 'things' or 'the plan'.
Patterns
- something goes sideways
- things go sideways
The meeting went sideways when everyone started arguing.
Our vacation plans went sideways after the flight was canceled.
If the project goes sideways, we will need a backup plan.
phraseintransitive
To move or turn to one side, rather than forward.
Grammar: Used literally for movement; no object is needed.
Patterns
- something goes sideways
- the car goes sideways
The car went sideways on the icy road.
The ball hit the post and went sideways.
He lost his balance and went sideways into the bushes.
Common combinations
- things go sideways
- Things went sideways as soon as the power went out.
- the plan goes sideways
- The plan went sideways when the funding was cut.
- go completely sideways
- The negotiation went completely sideways after the insult.
- watch something go sideways
- We watched the event go sideways in real time.
Synonyms and how they differ
- go wrong
- A more neutral phrase for when something fails; 'go sideways' suggests a more chaotic or dramatic failure.
- fall apart
- Focuses on something breaking into pieces or failing completely; 'go sideways' often suggests a sudden turn for the worse.
Opposites
Commonly confused: go sideways or go sideway?
go sideways vs go sideway
Not standard English; the correct adverb is 'sideways'.
Practice
The negotiations ___ after both sides refused to compromise.
Choose one answer.
'Went sideways' is the correct idiomatic phrase meaning things went wrong. 'Went sideway' is not standard, and the other options add unnecessary words.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “go sideways”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.