When a person is "on the bench," it typically means they are not actively participating in a game or activity. Other ways to describe this could be "sitting out," "awaiting a turn," "not in play," "inactive," or simply "benched." In sports, this phrase is often used to refer to a player who is not currently playing in a game, but is available to do so if needed. Similarly, in other contexts, being "on the bench" may indicate that a person is waiting for the right opportunity to participate or take action. Nonetheless, the words one chooses to use may vary depending on the particular setting and desired tone.