back bench

American  

noun

1. any of the rows of seats occupied by the backbenchers.

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Etymology

Origin of back bench

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

“Members get elected up here and they get stuck on the back bench and they have to listen and don’t really get a chance to speak,” Mr. Hern said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 9, 2022

Chosen last year to lead nearly 100 progressives in the House, Ms. Jayapal has vaulted from the back bench to a position as a highly visible strategist and spokeswoman.

From New York Times • Oct. 8, 2021

It is the one chance ordinary, back bench MPs get to question the prime minister directly, to hold the government to account.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2015

Klein, 66, of Mesa, Arizona, wore a clerical collar and gripped a cane as he walked into court, where half a dozen witnesses sat on a back bench ready to testify in the long-planned trial.

From US News • Feb. 11, 2015

We found a place at a back bench, close together like you always had to sit on those benches.

From "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by emily m. danforth