ride the bench
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb phrase: - To be out of the game; to not participate in a game as a player: The phrase "ride the bench" means to sit on the bench during a sports game, not being used as an active player. It implies being a substitute or reserve player who does not get to play.
Usage and Examples
- Primary Usage: Used in sports contexts to describe a player who is not in the active lineup.
- The coach told the rookie he would have to ride the bench until he improved his defense.
- After his injury, he spent the rest of the season riding the bench.
- Miller was riding the bench in Saturday's game.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Figurative Use: Can be extended metaphorically to any situation where someone is kept in a reserve or inactive role, not participating in the main action.
- During the big project, the junior analyst was riding the bench while the senior team presented to the client.
Variants and Related Expressions
- Benchwarmer (n): A player who frequently rides the bench; a reserve who seldom plays.
- He was frustrated with his role as a benchwarmer.
- Ride the pine: A synonymous informal phrase with the same meaning as "ride the bench."
- The veteran quarterback wasn't used to riding the pine.
Synonyms
- Warm the bench: To sit on the bench, not playing.
- Be sidelined: To be prevented from playing or participating.
Antonyms
- Start (v): To be in the lineup at the beginning of a game.
- Be in the game: To be an active participant on the field/court.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Wait one's turn: To patiently await an opportunity to play or participate, often while riding the bench.
- The young player knew he had to wait his turn and ride the bench for now.
Verb
- be out of the game
- Miller was riding the bench in Saturday's game