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Phrase(s): on the bench
1. [of a judge] directing a session of court. • I have to go to court tomorrow. Who’s on the bench? • It doesn’t matter who’s on the bench. You’ll get a fair hearing. 2. sitting, waiting for a chance to play in a game. (In sports, such as basketball, football, soccer, etc.) • Bill is on the bench now. I hope he gets to play. • John played during the first quarter, but now he’s on the bench.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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1. Presiding as judge in a law court, as in Lawyers are very careful when Judge Brown is on the bench. This usage alludes to the seat occupied by a judge. [Late 1200s] 2. Waiting for a chance to participate; also, removed from participation. For example, Mary complained that all her colleagues were going to the sales conference while she was left on the bench. This usage comes from baseball and other sports, where players not deemed ready or competent to play sit on a bench watching the game. [Early 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms