Take a backseat Meaning in English
expression
ˈteɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /bækˈsit
TAYK-uh-bak-SEET
tˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /bˈæksiːt
TAYK-uh-bak-SEET
Definition
To let someone else have a more important or leading role, often choosing not to be in control or the center of attention.
Usage & Nuances
Idiom, informal. Commonly used for work, group projects, or relationships when someone chooses not to lead or wants to be less involved. 'Take a backseat to' means be less important than.
Spanish: quedarse en segundo plano - ceder protagonismoPortuguese (BR): ficar em segundo plano - assumir um papel secundárioPortuguese (PT): ficar em segundo plano - assumir um papel secundárioChinese (Simplified): 退居次位 - 让位Chinese (Traditional): 退居次位 - 讓位Hindi: पृष्ठभूमि में रहना - महत्व कम होनाArabic: يتراجع إلى المرتبة الثانية - يترك القيادةBengali: পিছনের আসনে বসা - পিছনে সরে আসাRussian: отойти на второй план - уступить главную рольJapanese: 裏方に回る - 控えめにするVietnamese: lùi về sau - nhường vai trò chínhKorean: 뒤로 물러나다 - 한발 물러서다Turkish: geri planda kalmak - arka planda durmakUrdu: پس منظر میں جانا - پیچھے ہٹناIndonesian: mundur ke belakang - memberi peran utama pada orang lain
Example Sentences
Sometimes it's better to take a backseat and let others decide.
basic
She decided to take a backseat in the project and help quietly.
basic
After his promotion, his old responsibilities took a backseat.
basic
I don't mind taking a backseat—I'm happy letting others shine.
natural
He hates taking a backseat to anyone at work.
natural
Once the kids arrived, our travel plans took a backseat to family needs.
natural