bɛntʃ ˈsʌmwʌn
Sports
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- to make a player sit on the bench instead of playing
What does "bench someone" mean?
to remove someone from an active role or position
Examples
- The manager benched two senior developers for the new project.
- After the PR disaster, the CEO was effectively benched by the board.
- Don't bench your best ideas just because they seem risky.
Origin
From team sports where coaches send underperforming players to sit on the bench.
How to use it
Used when someone is removed from their usual duties.
Similar expressions
sideline
shelve
take out of play
Opposites
put in the game
bring off the bench
activate
Related idioms
- no pain no gain
Success requires hard work and sacrifice
- ball is in your court
It's your turn to take action or make a decision
- like riding a bicycle
A skill that, once learned, is never forgotten
- drop the ball
To fail to do something important; to make a mistake
- level playing field
A situation where everyone has an equal opportunity
- on the ball
Alert and competent
Use it in a practice answer
Try "bench someone" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.