empty chair

plural empty chairs

1. psychotherapyA chair which is used to personify the client's object of conflict
2. A podium or chair left empty to highlight the absence of someone from a debate.

   "Megyn Kelly and The Donald's empty chair made Thursday’s debate the most absurd moment of the election cycle—and that's really saying something!"

   2016, Jon Kelly, “Inside the Trump-less Fox News Debate: V.F. Contributors Offer Analysis in Real-Time”, in Vanity Fair

3. A position held by someone who is absent or otherwise ineffectual.

present singular third person empty chairs · participle present empty chairing · participle past empty chaired · past empty chaired

1. transitivedebatingTo draw attention to (a person who is absent from a debate) by providing an empty podium or chair which they would have occupied.

   "The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky have said they will “empty chair” any party leaders who refuse to take part in their revised proposals for TV election debates."

   2015, John Plunkett, TV debates: broadcasters will 'empty chair' leaders who refuse to take part The Guardian

   1 more example

   "When later asked if Ms May would be “empty chaired”, a spokesperson also refused to rule out the possibility, saying the full plans would be announced in early May."

   2017, May Bullman, “TV broadcasters considering 'empty chair' for Theresa May after she refuses to take part in leaders' debate”, in The Independent