"Mere bystanders" refers to people who are present at an event or situation, but do not actively participate or get involved. They are simply observing from the sidelines without taking any action or having any significant impact. Full definition
With such risks to athletes» health and the integrity of sports, scientists should not allow themselves to be mere bystanders in these matters, the authors of the Policy Forum write. (aaas.org)
Weiner and his colleagues found that those microRNA secreted from those epithelial cells are not mere bystanders. (scientificamerican.com)
Secondly, they can fix the revenue model: Stop making those involved in the scene mere bystanders as more and more revenue streams into the game. (criticalhit.net)