This phrase refers to a crossword clue the place the reply describes a sports activities competitor who needs a much less energetic function, usually a substitute participant. A probable reply can be “reserve” or a synonym. The clue makes use of the distinction between an athlete’s presumed need for energetic participation and the truth of being a benchwarmer, including a layer of wordplay and misdirection.
Such clues reveal the cleverness and complexity achievable inside the constraints of crossword puzzle development. They require solvers to assume past literal meanings and contemplate 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 affords an enticing type of leisure.
