on the bench

Prepositional phrase

 * 1)  Presiding over a court.
 * 2)  Not playing in an ongoing game, either waiting to replace an active player or removed from competition by injury, penalty, etc.
 * 3)  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.
 * 1)  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.