play second fiddle
To play a subsidiary or subordinate role to someone or something else.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I am tired of playing second fiddle to my brother.”
“She is a talented manager, but she refuses to play second fiddle to anyone in the company.”
“Despite his significant contributions to the project, he found himself forced to play second fiddle to the new director during the final presentation.”
From the second violin in an orchestra, the member of the section tasked with the subordinate, supporting part rather than the melody played by the first violin.
- 01
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 02
fiddle while Rome burns
To busy yourself with trivia while a disaster you could be addressing unfolds.
- 03
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 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.
- 05
hang up one's fiddle
Synonym of hang up one's boots.
- 06
have second thoughts
To change one's opinion, or be uneasy about a previous decision.
- 07
hold-up play
A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.
- 08
just a second
A short period of time, typically anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes or more.
Last updated August 10, 2026