Sideways for Dummies

Sideways is a word that we often use to talk about a direction. When we say something is going sideways, it means it is going to the left or to the right, but not forward or backward. Imagine you're walking along a path, and then you suddenly decide to step to the side instead of continuing straight ahead. That's what going sideways means.

Now, let's look at another meaning of the word "sideways." We also use it to describe the way something is positioned or turned. For example, when you turn your head to the side and look out of the corner of your eyes, you're looking sideways. Similarly, if you're holding an object like a book or a picture frame, and instead of facing it directly towards you, you tilt it to the left or the right, then it's positioned sideways.

When we talk about people's attitudes or behaviors, we can also use the word "sideways." For instance, if someone behaves in a strange or unexpected way, we might say they are acting sideways. It's like when you were expecting them to act in a certain way but they do something completely different. It's as if their behavior is taking a surprising turn to the side, just like when things go sideways.

In a larger sense, "sideways" can represent change, a shift from what was expected or planned. Picture a puzzle that is supposed to fit a certain way, but then you discover that a piece you thought belonged in one spot actually fits better in another spot. That unexpected change can be described as the puzzle piece going sideways.

So, to sum it all up, "sideways" can mean going to the left or right instead of forward or backward, or it can refer to the way something is turned or positioned to the side. It can also describe unexpected behavior or an unexpected change from what was originally expected. It's like taking a detour from the main path or making a turn that surprises you.