ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play second fiddle

idiom
Meaning

To play a subsidiary or subordinate role to someone or something else.


Origin

disputed origin

From the second violin in an orchestra.

Examples
SIMPLE

I am tired of playing second fiddle to my brother.

CONTEXTUAL

She is a talented manager, but she refuses to play second fiddle to anyone in the company.

COMPLEX

Despite his significant contributions to the project, he found himself forced to play second fiddle to the new director during the final presentation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  2. 02

    fiddle while Rome burns

    To neglect helping when one’s time is needed most; to ignore the major problem at hand (whilst doing something less important); to be idle, inactive, or uninterested in a time of great need.

  3. 03

    go play in the traffic

    To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.

  4. 04

    grandstand play

    A successful play or other manoeuvre during a sporting competition in which one or more players shows off unnecessarily in order to entertain or impress the spectators.

  5. 05

    hang up one's fiddle

    Synonym of hang up one's boots.

  6. 06

    have second thoughts

    To change one's opinion, or be uneasy about a previous decision.

  7. 07

    hold-up play

    A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.

  8. 08

    just a second

    A short period of time, typically anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes or more.

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