Meaning of penalty box | Babel Free

Definitions

1. An enclosed bench where a player must remain for timed period (a penalty) that is assessed after an infraction.
2. The penalty area.
3. A temporary punishment, or, metaphorically, a similar setback (e.g., loss of control, embarrassment, etc.).
   figuratively, idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“Both players got to cool their heels for five minutes in their respective penalty boxes after the fight.”

“At times, Swindon's penalty box resembled a pinball machine.”

“A visit to the penalty box occurs when the salesman has relinquished control of the sales call by immediately answering the customer's question.”

“What can land you in this metaphorical holding cell, the penalty box of Catholicism?”

“Florida, Michigan seek exit from Democratic penalty box”

CEFR level