ringside

have a ringside seat

1. Literally, to have a front-row seat next to a boxing ring (thought to be the best place to watch the match). Wow, you have ringside seats to that fight? They must have cost thousands!
2. By extension, to be in close proximity to a certain situation or event. I unexpectedly had a ringside seat when a fight broke out at the bar. Living near this forest my whole life, I've had a ringside seat to witness the change in the population of birds.
See also: have, ringside, seat

have a ringside view

1. Literally, to have a front-row seat next to a boxing ring (thought to be the best place to watch the match). Wow, you have a ringside view to that fight? They must have cost thousands!
2. By extension, to be in close proximity to a certain situation or event. I unexpectedly had a ringside view when a fight broke out at the bar. Living near this forest my whole life, I've had a ringside view to witness the change in the population of birds.
See also: have, ringside, view

ringside seat

1. Literally, a front-row seat next to a boxing ring (thought to be the best place to watch the match). Wow, you got ringside seats to that fight? They must have cost thousands!
2. By extension, a place in close proximity to a certain situation or event. I unexpectedly had a ringside seat when a fight broke out at the bar. Living near this forest my whole life, I've had a ringside seat to witness the change in the population of birds.
See also: ringside, seat

ringside view

1. Literally, a front-row seat next to a boxing ring (thought to be the best place to watch the match). Wow, you got a ringside view to that fight? That must have cost thousands!
2. By extension, a place in close proximity to a certain situation or event. I unexpectedly had a ringside view when a fight broke out at the bar. Living near this forest my whole life, I've had a ringside view to witness the change in the population of birds.
See also: ringside, view
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

ringside seat

A place providing a close view of something, as in We lived right next door, so we had ringside seats for their quarrels. This term presumably came from boxing, where it denotes the seats just outside the boxing ring. [c. 1860]
See also: ringside, seat
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a ringside seat

or

a ringside view

If you have a ringside seat or a ringside view, you have an excellent and clear view of what is happening somewhere. From this hotel, you get a ringside seat at the volcano's performance. The first US presidential election for which I had a ringside seat was that which brought John F. Kennedy to office over 30 years ago. Note: In boxing, the ringside seats are the seats that are closest to the ring and have the best view.
See also: ringside, seat
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

have a ringside ˈseat/ˈview

(informal) be in a very good position to see something happen: My flat overlooks the central square, so I had a ringside view of the demonstration.
At a boxing match or a circus, a ringside seat is one which is closest to the ring.
See also: have, ringside, seat, view
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • have a ringside seat
  • have a ringside seat/view
  • ringside seat
  • a ringside seat
  • ringside view
  • have a ringside view
  • be wide of the mark
  • be/fall wide of the mark
  • be the dead spit of (someone)
  • be the spit of
References in periodicals archive
The Mexican was eventually convinced to fight on but after one round, the ringside physicians examined Peaalosa once more and this time, they recommended a stoppage.
Cuello wants to avenge Peaalosa's loss
From start to finish the market and its ringsides have been thronging with crowds four people deep John Roberts
Good prices for breeders as buyers come from far and wide to market; STIRLING BULL SALES
I left an empty seat at ringside and they're not cheap.
I left a seat empty for Ashley ... I know he was here with me; BOXING BIG-FIGHT FALLOUT Tony dedicates his emotional win over Haye to tragic brother-in-law
It is therefore essential that the referee and the ringside physician work as a team, complimenting each other's knowledge.
Good versus bad medical stoppages in boxing: Stopping a fight in time
I knew I had the brain to do that and make it boring." Richie Woodhall, commentating for radio at ringside, agreed with Frampton and gave the Tigers Bay man the nod.
that 3rd judge needs specs!
Tickets are available now, at PS10 (PS20 for ringside), from Doyle on 07852 117520.
Title bouts topping new Gladiators bill
Ms Maloney tweeted: 'ringside with lovely Dee' during the event.
White Dee joins Big Bro housemate Kellie ringside for Brum fight night; BOXING
Ringside seating is extremely limited & includes entry to the event, as well as a drink ticket.
McFadden's Addison Celebrates Halfway to St. Patrick's Day; The Extreme Midget Wrestling Federation Returns for an Epic Battle of Pint-Sized Proportions
"The Indian boxers are relieved and excited that Indian coaches will be allowed to second our boxers and be at ringside as per the information communicated by AIBA secretary," read the mail.
Indian coaches now allowed at ringside
1.00 Ringside. 2.00 European Challenge Cup Rugby Union.
SPORT
NEWCASTLE'S Glenn McCrory will be ringside as usual for Sky Sports when Carl Frampton challenges Kiko Martinez for his European title in Belfast tomorrow night.
New App promises to be a knockout
5.30 Twenty20 Cricket 6.00 Ringside 7.00 Live Darts.
SPORT
SKY SPORTS 1 6.00 Trans World Sport 7.00 Ringside 8.00 Live Twenty20 Cricket.
SPORT
THE IBF have confirmed 'mystery man' Mustafa Ameen had no business being involved at ringside during Amir Khan's controversial defeat by Lamont Peterson last month.
IBF explain link to Khan row man
AMIR KHAN'S trainer Freddie Roach claims he knows the 'mystery man' seen at ringside during the Briton's controversial defeat to Lamont Peterson last month - and does not believe he is an International Boxing Federation official.
Roach's blast at ringside 'official' BOXING