ENGLISH
REFERENCE

second fiddle

idiom
Meaning

A sidekick or subordinate, or the role of such a person.


Examples
SIMPLE

I refuse to play second fiddle to anyone.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of playing second fiddle to her famous sister, she finally started her own band.

COMPLEX

In the shadow of his charismatic older brother, he had spent his entire life playing second fiddle, quietly resentful yet outwardly loyal.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    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.

  2. 02

    hang up one's fiddle

    Synonym of hang up one's boots.

  3. 03

    have second thoughts

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

  4. 04

    just a second

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

  5. 05

    play first fiddle

    To play a leading role.

  6. 06

    play second fiddle

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

  7. 07

    play someone like a fiddle

    To play (manipulate) (a person) skillfully.

  8. 08

    second banana

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

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