English Explanatory Dictionary

play second fiddle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To play a subsidiary or subordinate role to someone or something else.

Pronunciation

En-au-play second fiddle.ogg LL-Q1860 (eng)-Naomi Persephone Amethyst (NaomiAmethyst)-play second fiddle.wav

Word forms

play second fiddle plays second fiddle playing second fiddle played second fiddle

Etymology

From the second violin in an orchestra.

Related words

take a back seat
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