A sideshow is a less important or less significant event or situation related to a larger, more important one that is happening at the same time.
In the end, the meeting was a sideshow to a political storm that broke Thursday. [+ to]
Radio work for him was very much a sideshow.
2. countable noun
At a circus or fair, a sideshow is a performance that you watch or a game of skill that you play, that is provided in addition to the main entertainment.
Sideshows at the championship include highland dancing and a play by local dramagroup.
sideshow in British English
(ˈsaɪdˌʃəʊ)
noun
1.
a small show or entertainment offered in conjunction with a larger attraction, as at a circus or fair
2.
a subordinate event or incident
sideshow in American English
(ˈsaɪdˌʃoʊ)
US
noun
1.
a small, separate show in connection with the main show, as of a circus
2.
something of minor importance; subordinate event
Examples of 'sideshow' in a sentence
sideshow
But in recent years he has become a mere sideshow.
The Sun (2013)
On the other hand, it could be a mere sideshow.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It's one of those things that becomes a sideshow.
The Sun (2012)
But in terms of growth, they are already a sideshow compared with Asia.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This became unsatisfactory for both codes, with influential Flat races a mere sideshow to the jumps finale.