play second fiddle

play second fiddle
{v. phr.}, {informal} To act a smaller part; follow another's lead; be less noticed. * /His wife had the stronger mind and he played second fiddle to her./ * /During the tournament, lessons played second fiddle to basketball./

Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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  • play second fiddle — to have a less important position or status than someone or something else : to be regarded or treated as less important a former star athlete who is not happy to play second fiddle as he nears the end of his career often + to He s not happy to …   Useful english dictionary

  • play second fiddle to — play second fiddle (to (someone/something)) to be in a less important position than someone or something else. Radio has been playing second fiddle to television for decades now. Usage notes: sometimes used without play Etymology: based on the… …   New idioms dictionary

  • play second fiddle — (to (someone/something)) to be in a less important position than someone or something else. Radio has been playing second fiddle to television for decades now. Usage notes: sometimes used without play Etymology: based on the literal meaning of… …   New idioms dictionary

  • play second fiddle to sb — play second fiddle to sb/sth ► to be seen as less important than another person or thing: »There were times when security seemed to play second fiddle to how the security company wanted to present itself to the world. Main Entry: ↑fiddle …   Financial and business terms

  • play second fiddle — If you play second fiddle, you take a subordinate role behind someone more important …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • play second fiddle to — ► play second fiddle to take a subordinate role to. Main Entry: ↑fiddle …   English terms dictionary

  • play second fiddle —    If you play second fiddle, you take a subordinate role behind someone more important.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    If you play second fiddle to another person, you accept to be second in importance to that person, or have a lower… …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • play second fiddle — if you play second fiddle to someone, they are in a stronger position or are more important than you. You ll have to choose between your wife and me. I won t play second fiddle to anyone. (usually + to) …   New idioms dictionary

  • play second fiddle — accept a lower position, take a back seat    Kirk won t play second fiddle to her. He wants to be the boss …   English idioms

  • Play second fiddle —   If you play second fiddle, you take a subordinate role behind someone more important …   Dictionary of English idioms

  • play second fiddle to — take a subordinate role to someone or something in a way often considered demeaning she had to play second fiddle to the interests of her husband …   Useful english dictionary

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