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

During his time at Arsenal, Manninger largely played second fiddle to David Seaman, but deputised for the injured England keeper late in the 1997-98 season.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Unilever’s food unit has long played second fiddle to personal care.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 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

Teresina was the one whom he chiefly devoted himself to, and, to my no small disgust, I found myself quite playing second fiddle.

From The Serapion Brethren, Vol. I. by Hoffmann, Ernst Theodor Wilhelm