# play second fiddle

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-second-fiddle
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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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.