This phrase refers to a crossword clue the place the reply describes a sports activities competitor who wishes a much less lively position, sometimes a substitute participant. A possible reply could be “reserve” or a synonym. The clue makes use of the distinction between an athlete’s presumed want for lively participation and the truth of being a benchwarmer, including a layer of wordplay and misdirection.
Such clues display the cleverness and complexity achievable inside the constraints of crossword puzzle building. They require solvers to suppose past literal meanings and think about the nuances of language and sporting contexts. This type of wordplay contributes to the enduring recognition of crosswords as a psychological train that sharpens vocabulary, improves problem-solving expertise, and gives a fascinating type of leisure.
