second banana

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.

The renovation offered the museum an opportunity to “give the David some competition” by better showcasing other pieces in the collection that often end up playing second banana to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, Ms. Hollberg said.

From New York Times

“It worked out that he was second banana in a bunch of movies, and I think I’m perceived as that even though the dream is always to lead and not follow.”

From New York Times

Ms. Gustern might have thought of herself as a helpmeet or second banana, but her students didn’t see her that way.

From New York Times

In one scene, efforts are made to placate bruised second banana Desi with an executive producer credit for "I Love Lucy."

From Salon

Vance famously resented having to play Ethel as a frumpy, overweight second banana, a resentment that we see Lucy stoking here in a particularly petty way.

From Los Angeles Times