Second Fiddle

Pronunciation: /ˈsɛkənd ˈfɪdəl/

Definitions of second fiddle

noun a person in a subordinate or inferior position

Example Sentences

A1 In the school play, I always played second fiddle to the lead actor.

A2 She was tired of always playing second fiddle to her more successful sister.

B1 He was frustrated with always being second fiddle in the company, never getting the recognition he deserved.

B2 After years of playing second fiddle, she finally got the promotion she had been working towards.

C1 Despite being second fiddle in the orchestra, he still enjoyed playing his violin.

C2 She refused to play second fiddle any longer and demanded to be given more responsibility in the project.

Examples of second fiddle in a Sentence

formal In the orchestra, the second violinist often plays second fiddle to the first violinist.

informal I'm tired of always playing second fiddle to my boss at work.

slang She's sick of playing second fiddle to her friend in their group of friends.

figurative He refuses to play second fiddle to anyone in his career.

Grammatical Forms of second fiddle

• past tense: played second fiddle
• plural: seconds fiddle
• comparative: more second fiddle
• superlative: most second fiddle
• present tense: plays second fiddle
• future tense: will play second fiddle
• perfect tense: has played second fiddle
• continuous tense: is playing second fiddle
• singular: second fiddle
• positive degree: second fiddle
• infinitive: to play second fiddle
• gerund: playing second fiddle
• participle: played second fiddle

Origin and Evolution of second fiddle

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'second fiddle' originated from the world of music, specifically from orchestras where the second violinist plays a supporting role to the first violinist.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'second fiddle' has evolved to be used metaphorically to describe someone in a subordinate or supporting role, rather than just in a musical context.