# ride the pine

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/ride-the-pine
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To sit on the bench, to not be used in a game.

## Examples

- He has to ride the pine during every game.
- The coach told the rookie he would ride the pine until he improved his defense.
- Despite his rigorous training throughout the preseason, the athlete found himself forced to ride the pine for the duration of the championship tournament.

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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.