Play second fiddle Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈsɛkənd/ /ˈfɪdəɫ
PLAY SEK-und FID-uhl
plˈeɪ/ /ˈsɛkɪnd/ /fˈɪdəl
play SEK-ind FID-uhl
释义
To take a less important or supportive role compared to someone else, usually in a team or group.
用法与细微差别
This is an idiomatic, often informal expression. It usually implies feeling less important, overlooked, or in a supporting role. Often used in work, relationships, or group dynamics. Don't use literally—it's about social or professional rank, not music.
Spanish: estar en segundo plano - desempeñar un papel secundarioPortuguese (BR): ficar em segundo plano - desempenhar papel secundárioPortuguese (PT): ficar em segundo plano - desempenhar papel secundárioChinese (Simplified): 当配角 - 居于次要地位Chinese (Traditional): 當配角 - 居於次要地位Hindi: मौका नहीं मिलना - दूसरा दर्जा पानाArabic: يلعب دورًا ثانويًا - يكون في المرتبة الثانيةBengali: দ্বিতীয় স্থানে থাকা - সাপোর্টিং রোলে থাকাRussian: играть вторую скрипкуJapanese: 脇役に回るVietnamese: đóng vai phụ - ở vị trí thứ haiKorean: 조연 역할을 하다 - 뒷전이 되다Turkish: ikinci planda kalmak - arka planda olmakUrdu: ثانوی کردار ادا کرناIndonesian: berperan sebagai pihak kedua - peran pendukung
例句
She didn't like to play second fiddle at work.
basic
He always has to play second fiddle to his older brother.
basic
Nobody wants to play second fiddle in the team.
basic
I refuse to play second fiddle to someone less experienced than me.
natural
Sometimes you have to play second fiddle until you prove yourself.
natural
After the promotion, he didn't want to play second fiddle anymore.
natural