riding the pine
Not getting played
Riding the pine means sitting on the bench during a game rather than playing—the pine being the wooden bench.
A player rides the pine when the coach doesn't put them in: He rode the pine all season.
The phrase implies being sidelined, whether in sports or figuratively in any situation where someone is left out of the action.
- benchwarmerSeldom-used team member
- benchShared seating surface
- sidelineSecondary business pursuit
- warming the benchReserved as backup player
- substituteReplacement for another
second string · third string · deep bench · practice squad · scout team · backup · dugout · waiting in the wings · called up · garbage time · cooling one's heels · biding time · patience · holding back · frustration · disappointment · benched · humility
riding the pinestarting
Initiating an action
playing · in the game · on the ice · suiting up · checking in
riding the pinestar player
Team's premier athlete
franchise player · team captain · first-string · MVP · cornerstone
riding the pinein the thick of it
Fully engaged amid activity
starring · front and center · in the driver's seat · running the show · calling the shots
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