To be given the cold shoulder; to be ignored or treated with indifference
to warm the bench
To be a substitute player who rarely gets to play in a game.
to hold an inconsequential post
To hold a title or job without real power or responsibilities; historically used to describe teachers in private schools or officials awaiting an appointment.
to cool one's heels
To be kept waiting for an assignment or an audience with a VIP
to endure solitary work
To be willing to engage in lonely, painstaking, or unglamorous long-term research or study
