坐冷板凳

1. • to hold an inconsequential job
2. • to receive a cold reception
3. • to be kept waiting for an assignment or audience
4. • to be out in the cold
5. • to be sidelined
6. • to warm the bench
7. • to cool one's heels

Character by character

• 坐(zuò)sit
• 冷(lěng)cold
• 板(bǎn)board
• 凳(dèng)bench