on the bench

1. Presiding as judge in a law court, as in Lawyers are very careful when Judge Brown is on the bench . This usage alludes to the seat occupied by a judge. [Late 1200s]

2. Waiting for a chance to participate; also, removed from participation. For example, Mary complained that all her colleagues were going to the sales conference while she was left on the bench . This usage comes from baseball and other sports, where players not deemed ready or competent to play sit on a bench watching the game. [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

Liberals currently hold a 4–3 majority on the bench, and Republicans had a chance to flip it in November.

From Slate

Steve does need to recognise the need for changes, either through selection, on the bench, with the communication in the team or the ability to let the players do what they want in those moments.

From BBC

The last thing the Chargers need is their star quarterback, who missed the end of last season because of a hand injury, on the bench.

From Los Angeles Times

Ironically, Kane was left on the bench in favour of Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in a brave selection call which brought instant dividends with the opening goal after seven minutes.

From BBC

However, despite fielding seven forwards on the bench in the 32-15 win over Scotland, head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for a conventional five forwards-three backs split among his replacements.

From BBC

Related Words

• idle
• inactive
• jobless
• underemployed