penalty box

noun3

1. •
   An enclosed bench where a player must remain for timed period (a penalty) that is assessed after an infraction.

   • Both players got to cool their heels for five minutes in their respective penalty boxes after the fight.
2. •
   (figurative) A temporary punishment, or, metaphorically, a similar setback (e.g., loss of control, embarrassment, etc.).

   • A visit to the penalty box occurs when the salesman has relinquished control of the sales call by immediately answering the customer's question. — 2003
3. •
   The penalty area.

   • At times, Swindon's penalty box resembled a pinball machine. — 2000