on the bench

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English

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Prepositional phrase

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on the bench

  1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on,‎ the,‎ bench.
  2. (law, of a judge) Presiding over a court.
  3. (sports, of a member of a team in competition) Not playing in an ongoing game, either waiting to replace an active player or removed from competition by injury, penalty, etc.
  4. (historical, UK military, of a captain) Waiting to command his first vessel and assume the position of post-captain, ensuring further promotion will remain a matter of seniority rather than merit or ability.
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