# park the bus

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/park-the-bus
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To attempt to stop the opposition team from scoring a goal by playing extremely defensively and placing as many players as possible behind the ball.

## Examples

- The team decided to park the bus to protect their lead.
- After scoring an early goal, the coach told his players to park the bus and defend for the rest of the game.
- Facing a superior opponent, the manager chose to park the bus, frustrating the crowd as his team retreated into a deep, impenetrable defensive formation.

## Origin

Coined by José Mourinho.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.