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.

The company’s main generator of revenue, electric vehicles, often plays second fiddle.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

Scrum-half Lucy Packer, who played second fiddle to Hunt during the World Cup, looked lively throughout, while 22-year-old lock Lilli Ives Campion also stepped up in the line-out.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Unilever’s food unit has long played second fiddle to personal care.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 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 am not jealous of the boy, mind you, but I hate favouritism, and I won't play second fiddle to Christopher or anyone else.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 158, June 9, 1920 by Various