# first loser

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/first-loser
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Second place.

## Examples

- He finished second, so he is just the first loser.
- 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.

## Origin

The 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. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.