ENGLISH
REFERENCE

second banana

idiom
Meaning

A comedian who plays a secondary or supporting role, especially as straight man and traditionally in vaudeville or burlesque theatre.


Examples
SIMPLE

He is tired of always being the second banana.

CONTEXTUAL

The lead actor was brilliant, but his partner played the second banana perfectly to keep the audience laughing.

COMPLEX

Although he possessed immense talent, he spent his entire career as a second banana, forever supporting the stars who claimed the spotlight.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    banana nose

    A large, unusually long nose.

  2. 02

    banana republic

    A small country, especially one in Central America or the West Indies, that is dependent on a single export commodity (traditionally bananas) and that has a corrupt, dictatorial government.

  3. 03

    have one foot on a banana peel

    To be in an unstable situation with a high risk of sudden negative change, facing difficulty, or appearing foolish.

  4. 04

    have second thoughts

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

  5. 05

    just a second

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

  6. 06

    make like a banana and split

    To leave, depart.

  7. 07

    play second fiddle

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

  8. 08

    second childhood

    The period or state of cognitive decline of an elderly person, characterized by childlike judgment and behavior.

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