motion to one side

motion to one side

To indicate with one's body language for someone to move to one side, especially to be out of the way or earshot of others. A noun or pronoun can be used between "motion" and "to." The driver of the car flashed his badge to the security guard and motioned him to one side. The principal motioned to one side the teacher so she could speak to him in private.
See also: motion, one, side
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

motion someone to one side

 and motion someone to the side
to give someone a hand signal to move to the side of something, such as the road. (Very similar to motion someone aside.) The cop motioned her to the side of the road. Claire motioned Fred to one side, where she spoke to him.
See also: motion, one, side
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • not do (someone or oneself) any favors
  • (Is) this taken?
  • interpret for
  • interpret for (someone)
  • ask back
  • angle
  • angling
  • freshen up
  • doping
References in periodicals archive
Liberal Democrat councillor Lower said dog fouling is a frequent complaint and she was disappointed the council had decided not to push for greater controls, and instead cast her motion to one side on a technicality.
Man's best friend is still welcome