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.

None of it is subtle, or second fiddle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 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

Tesla might end up playing second fiddle to another Elon Musk company on its own earnings call.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 2026

For generations City played second fiddle in their own backyard to United, but they have ruled the roost over their local rivals since Alex Ferguson departed Old Trafford in 2013.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

He’s not one to play second fiddle, so to speak.

From The Hound From The North by Bull, Charles Livingston