penalty box
Definition
Noun: 1. An enclosed bench area beside an ice hockey rink: A designated, separated seating area where a player must remain for a specified time as punishment for committing a rule infraction.
Usage
The term "penalty box" is used specifically in the context of ice hockey (and some other sports like lacrosse or roller hockey that adopt similar rules) to denote the place of temporary removal from active play. It is a standard part of describing game events and disciplinary actions.
Examples
- The referee sent the defenseman to the penalty box for tripping.
- Their team had two players in the penalty box, creating a 5-on-3 power play for the opposition.
- He watched the game anxiously from the penalty box while his team killed off the penalty.
Advanced Usage
- "Serving time in the penalty box": This phrase emphasizes the punitive and temporary nature of the player's removal. It is the most common way to describe the action.
- The captain is serving time in the penalty box for a high-sticking penalty.
Variants and Related Words
- Sin bin (noun, informal): A colloquial synonym for the penalty box, commonly used in sports commentary and informal speech.
- He took a bad penalty and is headed to the sin bin.
- Penalty (noun): The punishment itself, which results in a player being sent to the penalty box.
- Power play (noun): The strategic advantage situation for the opposing team when a player is in the penalty box.
Synonyms
- Sin bin (informal)
Related Idioms/Phrases
- To be in the box: A common shorthand used by commentators and fans to mean a player is currently serving a penalty.
- With their best scorer in the box, the team struggled to generate offense.
Noun
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(ice hockey) an enclosed bench to the side of an ice-hockey rink for players who are serving time penalties
