on the side

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

in addition to one's main job or activity, often secretly

Why this phrase?

Not about a physical side; means as an extra or secondary activity.

Example

“He earns extra money fixing cars on the side.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

do the job Informal · CEFR B1

to be good enough to achieve the desired result

fall into place Informal · CEFR B2

to become clear or to work out well after a period of confusion

shift gears Informal · CEFR B2

to change your approach, activity, or pace

shut up shop Informal · CEFR B2

to stop working for the day or to close a business permanently

someone's bread and butter Informal · CEFR B2

the main source of someone's income or basic work

call it a day Informal · CEFR B1

To decide to stop working on something for now.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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