bench warmer

bench warmer

An athlete who does not get much playing time (usually because they are not very good or skilled). I'm just a bench warmer, so you won't see me out on the court much.
See also: bench, warmer
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

bench warmer

n. a ballplayer who spends most of the game on the bench waiting to play; a second-rate player. You’ll never be anything but a bench warmer.
See also: bench, warmer
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

benchwarmer

A person who is seldom or never active in an enterprise. Derived from the sports meaning of a player who rarely or never takes part in a game but is relegated to sitting on the bench, the term, which dates from the early 1900s, was almost immediately transferred to other circumstances. The sports meaning appeared in a 2006 film, The Benchwarmers, about three not very competent ballplayers.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • benchwarmer
  • warmer
  • warmers
  • grab some bench
  • heat up
  • ride the pine
  • warm up
  • snowbird
  • on the bench
  • take the bench
References in periodicals archive
BENCH WARMER turned match winner Mickael Antoine-Curier.
I've got title in my sights after injury nearly blinded me; Mickael eyes a spot in Accies starting XI for run-in MORTON..3 HAMILTON..4
Former Arsenal bench warmer Justin Hoyte showed early flashes of promise but has struggled to find his feet and fell well short of Luke Young..
10 reasons why Boro fell into the Championship
Just over three weeks ago, the 35- year-old winger was an occasional bench warmer and reserve-team coach at Loftus Road.
It's awesome - Ainsworth
It's been a meteoric rise for the young prop, who has gone from a bench warmer to a Lions tourist in the space of six months.
'ULTIMATE HONOUR'
It will perhaps be the most interesting team selection of Roberto Martinez's reign on Saturday when he has Terry McAllister walton WHEN Aaron Lennon came to Everton a year ago I was underwhelmed with a move for what seemed like a career bench warmer who wouldn't improve our squad.
BLUES JURY
Ken Holmqvist may have been a bench warmer during the UAAP season but in the National Collegiate Championship, the 6-foot-8 stretch forward was front and center.
Holmqvist thankful for Racela's confidence in him
4) He accepts if Ba and Cisse stay, he's a bench warmer and impact sub." Dove_From_Above: "Good player but I can't handle that he says he didn't want to leave in the first place and people say he's a Geordie hero."
The Andy Carroll sceptics speak out
Boss Archie Gemmill opted to use strikers Stephen Fletcher, Calum Elliot and Robert Snodgrass during the campaign and the then-teenage forward spent most of the competition as a frustrated bench warmer.
Dorrans is after Pole position
But the young Scots star has gone from bench warmer to hot stuff and aims to scorch Guildford Heat in today's BBL Cup Final showdown.
Basketball: Murray: I can be a hot Rock
DAVID Moyes needs to strengthen the team in all areas but the defence is okay for next season (giveClarke a chance instead of wasting money on a bench warmer).
HOME AND AWAY: Middle muddle
LES Ferdinand has vowed to fight for his Spurs future after becoming a permanent Premiership bench warmer. The former England star is not willing to sit around at White Hart Lane while Robbie Keane and Teddy Sheringham take centre stage.
FOOTBALL: LES: I'LL FIGHT FOR MY FUTURE; PREVIEW: SUNDERLAND v SPURS Kick-off 4.05pm, live on Sky Sports 1
Let him become a bench warmer at another club, then watch him fade into obscurity like Wright-Phillips.
Fans' survey results: Reds should get rid
Madrigals father Gerard played high school hoops in the United States, but was "a bench warmer for most of his career," she candidly noted.
ISM standout making waves in womens basketball
The England Under-21 star defender, a bench warmer for the Blues, has been watched closely by Anfield spies and they are planning a summer raid.
TODAY IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE; In association with MSV SPORT TEAMWEAR
But the young Scots star has since gone from bench warmer to hot stuff and wants to scorch Guildford Heat in today's showdown.
Basketball: Murray: I can be a hot Rock