ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bench jockey

idiom
Meaning

A player, coach or manager who verbally annoys and distracts opposition players and umpires from his team's dugout bench.


Origin

disputed origin

As verbal jousting is frequently called "riding", the "rider" sitting on a bench came to be known as the "bench jockey".

Examples
SIMPLE

The bench jockey shouted insults at the opposing pitcher.

CONTEXTUAL

The umpire warned the manager because a bench jockey kept yelling at the players during the game.

COMPLEX

Known throughout the league as a relentless bench jockey, he spent the entire afternoon taunting the visiting team from the safety of the dugout.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    desk jockey

    One who spends their time seated at a desk; especially one who is more concerned with procedure, paperwork, or administration than with an ultimate goal or a practical consequence.

  2. 02

    talk jockey

    A host of a radio talk show.

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