He finished second, so he is just the first loser.
first loser
idiomSecond place.
Origin
disputed originThe quotation “second place is the first loser” is believed to have been introduced by Enzo Ferrari, popularized by American stock car driver Dale Earnhardt, and repeated frequently by many other drivers since.
She worked hard for the silver medal, but her brother teased her for being the first loser.
Despite his impressive performance in the final round, the athlete had to accept the title of first loser as he watched his rival claim the gold.
- 01
blink first
To be the first party in some situation to give in or back down.
- 02
cast the first stone
To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.
- 03
come first
To win first place in a competition.
- 04
director of first impressions
A receptionist.
- 05
feet first
In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).
- 06
first among equals
A person or position that is formally of equal rank to others in a group, but nonetheless takes a leading role within that group.
- 07
first and last
A person's combined given name and surname.
- 08
first annual
Being the first occurrence of an event that is scheduled or hoped to become annual.