play second fiddle

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Example

“He refuses to play second fiddle to his younger brother.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

keep up with the Joneses Neutral · CEFR B2

to try to match the lifestyle of the people around you

give someone a run for their money Neutral · CEFR B1

to compete nearly as well as a much stronger opponent, forcing them to work hard for victory

wear many hats Informal · CEFR B1

to perform many different roles, especially in a small organization

big fish in a small pond Neutral · CEFR B2

an important person in a small or limited environment

deep pockets Informal · CEFR B2

having a great deal of money to spend

get the better of Neutral · CEFR B2

to defeat someone or gain control over a person or feeling

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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