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second fiddle

idiom

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


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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