benchwarmers
Athletes awaiting play
Benchwarmers are substitute players who spend most of their time sitting on the bench rather than playing in the game.
The term carries a dismissive edge—benchwarmer suggests someone not good enough to make the starting lineup: He was a benchwarmer his whole college career.
By extension, anyone sidelined from action where others participate: I felt like a benchwarmer at my own company's meetings.
Replacements for originals
- reservesResources held back
- backupsDuplicate files or substitutes
- second-stringSubstitute team members
- nonstartersUnviable proposals or ideas
subs · sideline · scrubs · third-string · role-players · JV · redshirt · inactive
Not noticed or considered
- underratedValued below true worth
- underestimatedMisjudged as inferior
- neglectedNot given proper attention
- unappreciatedNot given due recognition
untapped · sleeper · unproven · underdog · dark-horse · unsung
Goodwill among companions
- moraleGroup emotional well-being
- cheerleadingAthletic spirit performance
- encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
- solidarityUnity among allies
loyalty · unity · locker-room · teammates
substitutes
Replacements for originals
- reservesResources held back
- backupsDuplicate files or substitutes
- second-stringSubstitute team members
nonstarters · subs · sideline · scrubs · third-string · role-players · JV · redshirt · inactive · walk-ons
overlooked
Not noticed or considered
- underratedValued below true worth
- underestimatedMisjudged as inferior
- neglectedNot given proper attention
unappreciated · untapped · sleeper · unproven · underdog · dark-horse · unsung
camaraderie
Goodwill among companions
- moraleGroup emotional well-being
- cheerleadingAthletic spirit performance
- encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
solidarity · loyalty · unity · locker-room · teammates
patience
Calm during delays
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- sidelinedRemoved from participation
- readySuitable for use now
eager · hopeful · expectant · aspiring · watchful · alert · restless · yearning · opportunity · chance
- baseballbaseball, bat, pitchers, catchers, pitcher
- sidelinedbenched, shelved, sidetracked, put on hold, on hold
- substitutessubstitute, subs, replacement, substitutes, stand-in
- College Athleticsbasketball, football, NCAA, baseball, Division II
- Nobodiesnobodies, nonentities, unknowns, zeroes, ciphers
benchwarmersstarters
Things that initiate
starting lineup · first string · first team · regulars · key players
benchwarmersstars
Luminous celestial bodies
superstars · MVPs · all-stars · franchise players · elite players
benchwarmerskey players
frontrunners · leaders · movers and shakers · heavy hitters · decision makers