parked the bus
All players back
Parked the bus is a sports metaphor, especially in soccer, for adopting an extremely defensive strategy—positioning so many players near the goal that attacking becomes nearly impossible.
The image suggests a large vehicle blocking the entire goalmouth.
The phrase often carries criticism of prioritizing defense over entertainment: They parked the bus and played for the 0-0 draw.
- low blockDefensive move protecting lower body
- stonewallingDeliberately refusing to respond
- stallingIntentional delay tactics
- digging inEstablishing a defensive position
- blockadeSealing off a place
obstructionism · bunker mentality · backs to the wall · offside trap · bulwark · barricade · back line · playing it safe · perimeter defense · fortification · shield · trench · counterattack · time-wasting · damage limitation · resistance · bus · passive resistance