Play second fiddle
To play a supporting or minor role in relation to someone else: “Tired of playing second fiddle, she resigned and started her own company.” In an orchestra, the position of second violinist (fiddle) is not as glamorous as that of first violinist.
verb phrase
To be in an inferior position; lack power or will to lead: They won’t play second fiddle to their spouses anymore (1809+)
Assume a subsidiary role to someone, as in Mary resented always playing second fiddle to her older sister. This term alludes to the part of second violin in an orchestra. Although many would argue it is as important as first violin, it is the idea of subordinacy that was transferred in the figurative term, so used since about 1800.
Read Also:
- Play snuggle-bunnies
verb phrase To kiss and caress; cuddle amorously; play kissie: Mr De Varennes is playing snuggle-bunnies with Mrs Martin (1970s+)
- Playstation
/ˈpleɪˌsteɪʃən/ noun 1. trademark a video games console games, hardware The leading family of games consoles, from Sony Corporation consisting of the original Playstation (PS1) and the Playstation 2 (PS2). The basic Playstations consist of a small box containing the processor and a DVD reader, with video outputs to connect to a TV, sockets for […]
- Play someone for a fool
verb phrase To take advantage of someone’s gullibility, greed, etc: Some blokes can never see when they are being played for suckers (1881+)
- Play stinky-pinky
verb phrase fingerfuck (1903+)
- Playstreet
[pley-street] /ˈpleɪˌstrit/ noun 1. an urban closed to traffic during specified times and sometimes equipped with recreational facilities, for use by children as a area.