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.

Despite playing second fiddle for much of the campaign, Trafford was given his England debut last month in the friendly draw against Uruguay.

From BBC • Apr. 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

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

There can only be one first team in a school, and I don’t want to disrupt things or play second fiddle.

From Baseball Joe on the School Nine or, Pitching for the Blue Banner by Chadwick, Lester