play second fiddle
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
In his 2011 memoir “Shatner Rules,” he said that their discord was a result of Takei’s unwillingness to play second fiddle on the show.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2022
He had sworn to himself that he would not play second fiddle on this occasion at all events, and he holds himself to his word.
From April's Lady A Novel by Hungerford, Margaret Wolfe
