Literary notes about Sidle (AI summary)
The word “sidle” is frequently employed to convey a subtle, sideways movement that suggests hesitation, stealth, or an unceremonious approach. It paints a picture of characters or creatures edging closer in a discreet, almost furtive manner—whether it's a character approaching someone cautiously to deliver unwelcome news ([1]) or an animal, like a dog, quietly approaching its owner ([2]). At times, the term describes a physical maneuver along a narrow path or around obstacles, as when someone navigates a tight space with careful, measured steps ([3], [4]). In other instances, it emphasizes a social behavior of gradually and unobtrusively joining a group or crowd, highlighting both physical and emotional timidity ([5], [6]). This versatile usage enriches the text by imbuing ordinary movement with a sense of deliberate subtlety and reserved intent ([7], [8]).
- Well, very shortly I shall have to sidle up to Tom and break the news to him.
— from Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse - He caught hold of Tom’s jacket as he spoke, and gave it a shake, making his dog sidle up and growl, “Hear that?
— from The Vast AbyssThe Story of Tom Blount, his Uncles and his Cousin Sam by George Manville Fenn - In a few places they had to sidle along without placing one foot before another.
— from A Voyage to Arcturus by David Lindsay - It was barely six inches wide, but I could sidle along it in comfort.
— from Life's Handicap: Being Stories of Mine Own People by Rudyard Kipling - And every now and then a Forsyte would come up, sidle round, and take a look at him.
— from The Forsyte Saga, Volume I. by John Galsworthy - He can sidle up to the most timid wild thing.
— from The Shagganappi by E. Pauline Johnson - What worried the staff was that it would, when free, sidle along our plates till it fouled the propeller.
— from The Sea and the Jungle by H. M. (Henry Major) Tomlinson - You make love to it, and it may sidle up and kiss you—or give you a good, hard kick!”
— from Harlequin and Columbine by Booth Tarkington