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

None of it is subtle, or second fiddle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 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

Reid’s Merope and Reis’ Antigone, ferocious in their different ways, refuse to play second fiddle to Manville’s Jocasta when it comes to Oedipus’ affections.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

For it was the Great Blast of the Horn of the Fairies, which only plays second fiddle to the last trump.

From Legends of Florence Collected from the People, First Series by Leland, Charles Godfrey