Definition of sidebar
- a discussion that occurs alongside or outside a main proceeding
- an off-the-record private conversation between lawyers and a judge, outside the hearing of the jury and the audience
Usage examples of sidebar
The VP was furious after the head of sales questioned his strategic plan during a meeting with the board of directors. “Why did you do that? If you disagree with me, make it a sidebar—don't make me look stupid in front of the bigwigs!”
The judge called a sidebar so the lawyers could discuss the evidence without the jury hearing it.
During the planning meeting, the budget argument became a sidebar while the rest of the group kept reviewing the launch checklist.