play second fiddle
Meaning: To be in a subordinate position; to have a lower rank or standing than someone else.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The expression probably originates from the fact that in an orchestra the first violin, or "fiddle," gets most of the attention and plays the leading part, while the second fiddle is less noticed.
More idioms — Daily Life
- pop the question — To ask someone to get married.
- pound of flesh — A (figuratively) painful payment of a debt.
- pull oneself up by one's bootstraps — To improve oneself (usually economically) without help from others.
- pull rank — To take advantage of one's superior position (one's rank).
- pull something off — To accomplish something that had appeared difficult to finish or achieve.
- pull strings — To use one's influence.
More English idioms
- pull the rug out from under someone — To abruptly ruin someone's plans or expectations.
- pull the wool over someone's eyes — To deceive or fool someone.
- pull up stakes — To collect one's household belongings and leave one's house or property; to move to anoth…
- put all one's eggs in one basket — To invest all one's hopes or plans in only one possible outcome.
- put someone on the spot — To put someone in a difficult situation or to present someone with a difficult choice; to…
- put the squeeze on — To apply pressure on someone to do something; to force or coerce someone.
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