Some help, please, from my British friends

[verucasalt123]

There's a phrase I'm struggling with in this ridiculously long Sherlock fic I'm writing. I'm hoping someone can help me.

And maybe there's not even a different phrase for it, but I want to get it right.

In American English, when an athlete gets sidelined by injury or a person can't do the things they normally do because of a physical condition, we generally refer to it as "getting benched" or, as an allusion to sitting on the sidelines while the game goes on without you, "riding the pine". In American football or hockey, if a player has to sit out a game, he's listed as "injured reserve", which means he's unable to participate for a period of time.

So, if I'm writing something that uses British vernacular, is there a different term for this?

Comments

[agirlnamedtruth.livejournal.com]

It might be because I watch too much American TV, but I'd say they'd been 'benched'.

I also know nothing about sport so don't take my word for it...

[verucasalt123.livejournal.com]

Thanks. This part of my story isn't about sports, more about Sherlock having to stand down from chasing criminals across rooftops. It was just the best comparison I could think of.

[saltandbyrne.livejournal.com]

"can't do the things they normally do because of a physical condition" I'm no detective, but I can guess what this is for! Oh I can can't wait to read it.

Not a clue about the terms though.

[verucasalt123.livejournal.com]

You are CORRECT. I don't think this gets posted until January, but I'd be happy to send you bits and pieces if you want to see it :)

[verucasalt123.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much. I'd heard that term before and totally forgotten about it.

[ash-carpenter.livejournal.com]

The term that's most suitable is probably "getting sidelined". We use that for sport, but it's also migrated into general use for any time someone can't participate in something for a particular reason (usually related either to an injury or infirmity) - much like I think "getting benched" has in the US.

I'm pretty sure we also say "on the bench" now (although, as with another commenter, I watch too much American TV to be positive! Also, that's one that has skipped across the pond, I expect). "Riding the pine" is definitely American - and had me utterly confused the first time I read it, because I thought of pine cones. Which, surely, can't be comfortable... :P

[verucasalt123.livejournal.com]

Thanks!! I think "getting sidelined" is probably exactly what I'm going for here!