riding the bench
Watching, not playing
Riding the bench means sitting out of a game as a reserve player rather than actively competing.
The bench is where substitute athletes wait during play, so someone riding it isn't getting playing time: He's talented but spent his freshman year riding the bench.
The phrase extends to anyone sidelined from participation in work or other activities.
- alternateOccur in succession
- substituteReplacement for another
- inactivityLack of movement
- reserveSupply kept back
- sidelinedRemoved from participation
unappreciated · waiting game · waiting your turn · backup · nonstarter · self-doubt · second-string · third string · anticipation · overlooked · understudy · depth chart · practice squad · scout team · replacement · aspire · excluded · idle
riding the benchstarting
Initiating an action
in the game · playing · starting lineup · first string · active
riding the benchstarring
Playing the lead role
franchise player · go-to guy · MVP · team captain · headlining
ride, riding, ridden, rider, riders, rides, bench, benches, benched