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Showing results for second fiddle. Search instead for second+fiddle.
Definitions

second fiddle

NOUN
secondary role player
Synonyms
WEAK
back seat benchwarmer low man on totem pole reserves second banana second string second stringer second team secondary role understudy

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.

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

None of it is subtle, or second fiddle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 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

I discovered, also, the distastefulness of playing the "second fiddle."

From Through these Eyes The courageous struggle to find meaning in a life stressed with cancer by Isaacson, Lauren Ann

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