backseat

[bak-seet]

noun

1. a seat at the rear.

Word History and Origins

Origin of backseat¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Now it appears car shoppers are taking a backseat.

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Next year’s governor race took a backseat to GOP opposition to Prop.

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The trouble began that day when Parias, outfitted in a “Press” vest, sat in the backseat of a black pickup truck, trailing federal immigration agents.

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The US Federal Reserve pushed forward with an interest rate cut as inflation fears continue to take a backseat to concerns about a stalling labour market.

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Tradition has had to take a backseat to precaution during the coronavirus crisis.

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