on the bench

English

Prepositional phrase

on the bench

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on,‎ the,‎ bench.
2. (law, of a judge) Presiding over a court.
3. (sports, of a member of a team in competition) Not playing in an ongoing game, either waiting to replace an active player or removed from competition by injury, penalty, etc.
4. (historical, UK military, of a captain) Waiting to command his first vessel and assume the position of post-captain, ensuring further promotion will remain a matter of seniority rather than merit or ability.

Related terms

• bench, benched
• bench-warmer
• deep bench
• substitutes' bench