Assume a subsidiary role to someone, as in Mary resented always playing second fiddle to her older sister. This term alludes to the part of second violin in an orchestra. Although many would argue it is as important as first violin, it is the idea of subordinacy that was transferred in the figurative term, so used since about 1800.
play second fiddle
| Idioms: play second fiddle |
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 | fiddle (Idiom) |
| Mavis Staples (1969 Album by Mavis Staples) |
| second (Idiom) |
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 | Idioms. The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more |
Related answers
- What does 'play second fiddle' mean?
- How is a fiddle played?
- What is the origin of second fiddle?
- To play like a fiddle?
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Mentioned in
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- Mavis Staples (1969 Album by Mavis Staples)
- second (Idiom)
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