# second string

idiom

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

## Meaning

Not as good; of a lower quality or condition.

## Examples

- This is just my second string racket for practice.
- The team had to use their second string players because the starters were injured.
- The director relegated the talented actor to a second string role, much to the disappointment of the critics.

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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.