second fiddle — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A fiddle part in harmony to the first fiddle.

   Examples

   The second fiddle on that tune is almost as hard as the first fiddle.

2. The person playing second fiddle.

   Related words

   fiddlefirst fiddlelead fiddleplay second fiddlesecond bananasecond violin

   Examples

   I've been second fiddle in that orchestra for ten years now.

3. A sidekick or subordinate, or the role of such a person.

   Usage

   • idiomatic

   Examples

   I'm tired of being your second fiddle!

   More examples (1)

   Listen, buttercup, you're damned good in bed. They don't come any better, but I'm really not interested in playing second fiddle to your camera or your young lovers.

Noun

1. someone who serves in a subordinate capacity or plays a secondary role

   Synonyms

   second banana

   Broader terms

   subordinatesubsidiaryunderlingfoot soldier

2. a secondary role or function

   Broader terms

   functionofficepartrole

   Examples

   he hated to play second fiddle to anyone