To be subservient to someone, to follow someone or something

Etymology:

  • It is noticing that in Orchestra, there are two roles played by violins which are called first fiddle and second fiddle. The player or performer who played the first fiddle was considered main and important musician in orchestra. Till 18th century, when this expression “playing second fiddle” was first used it meant to play secondary or less important role than to be leading upfront ,or to play the main role in something. The phrase can be applied to any role in different fields of life.
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Juniors in this office are fed up of playing second fiddle to their seniors.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Play Second Fiddle':

play second fiddleTo play a subsidiary or subordinate role to someone or something else.
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Translation

Find a translation for the Play Second Fiddle phrase in other languages:

tener un papel secundario

joacă al doilea violet

играть вторую скрипку

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    "Play Second Fiddle." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/play-second-fiddle_44940>.

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