play second fiddle

Cultural  

1. To play a supporting or minor role in relation to someone else: “Tired of playing second fiddle, she resigned and started her own company.” In an orchestra, the position of second violinist (fiddle) is not as glamorous as that of first violinist.

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play second fiddle Idioms  

1. Assume a subsidiary role to someone, as in Mary resented always playing second fiddle to her older sister. This term alludes to the part of second violin in an orchestra. Although many would argue it is as important as first violin, it is the idea of subordinacy that was transferred in the figurative term, so used since about 1800.

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Example Sentences

When Tesla reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday, the numbers could once again play second fiddle to narrative details about the company’s futuristic forays into robotaxis and humanoid robots.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

“Ghost Elephants” is a Werner Herzog film so, unsurprisingly, the titular characters play second fiddle to a man on an arduous quest, with fascinating digressions along the way.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Words play second fiddle to the many stunning photographs of a seemingly ageless Ms. Parton in “Star of the Show.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

It simultaneously makes me sad to think of robbing him of something that makes him feel good about himself, but also really bugs me that he expects me to just play second fiddle.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2024

He had not asked me if I thought that Jack would play second fiddle to a new father, but that, too, may have been in his mind.

From Neighbours by Stead, Robert J. C.

Related Words

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