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

Fly-half Zoe Harrison and second row Abbie Ward both start after being on the bench for the quarter-final, with Holly Aitchison and Rosie Galligan dropping down to the replacements.

From BBC

Wing Joanna Grisez had to withdraw from the starting XV on Friday and was replaced by Kelly Arbey, with Boulard filling the vacant seat on the bench.

From BBC

"Benfica needs a new coach, needs a different approach, needs a strong figure on the bench," adds Oca.

From BBC

Arteta says it "hurts" him to leave certain players out of the squad - but that he was impressed with the impact of both Martinelli and Trossard after disappointing the pair by naming them on the bench.

From BBC

Gus Hamer, last year's top player in the Championship, sat on the bench as Ipswich hit United for five, as did key striker Tyrese Campbell.

From BBC

Related Words

• idle 
• inactive 
• jobless 
• underemployed