English idiom

take a back seat

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to accept a less active or less important role and let others lead

Why this phrase?

Influence is compared to sitting away from the driver's position, where someone else controls the direction.

Example

“During the launch, design concerns took a back seat to reliability.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

the powers that be

the people who hold authority and make important decisions

every which way

in every direction, often in a scattered or disorderly way

fall in line

to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority

get out of hand

To become impossible to control.

golden rule

the most important rule or principle to follow

in the hands of

under the control or responsibility of someone

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.

External links

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