Warm the bench Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To sit on the sidelines as a substitute in a sports game and not participate actively. It can also be used for someone who is not given an active role in a group or team.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal sports idiom, mostly used for team sports like soccer or basketball. Can also be used metaphorically for being left out in non-sport situations. Not usually a positive expression. Common: 'He warmed the bench all season.'
Example Sentences
He had to warm the bench during the whole game.
basic
If you don’t practice hard, you will warm the bench next match.
basic
She doesn’t like to warm the bench; she wants to play.
basic
It’s tough to keep warming the bench when you know you’re ready to play.
natural
After the coach changed, I didn’t have to warm the bench anymore.
natural
He felt like he was just warming the bench at his new job too.
natural