backseat

American  

[bak-seet] / ˈbækˈsit /

noun

1. a seat at the rear.

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idioms

1. take a backseat, to occupy a secondary or inferior position.

   Her writing has taken a backseat because of other demands on her time.

Etymology

Origin of backseat

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Since this is Rubio’s baby, perhaps he gracefully took a backseat.

From Salon

But in that role she publicly took a backseat - presenting a more family-oriented face to what critics say was a brutal regime.

From BBC

In one case earlier this year, an undocumented Central American couple with their 4-year-old son in the backseat was pulled over by a police officer in Lubbock over an issue with their vehicle’s license plate.

From Salon

In the backseat of her county car – a white Toyota Prius – is a bulletproof vest, which she says she rarely uses.

From Los Angeles Times

As a kid rumbling by “the Joey P” in the backseat of my mom’s minivan, I never thought about what it really means to decorate a warship for Christmas.

From Salon