SECOND FIDDLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does second fiddle mean? 

• SECOND FIDDLE (noun)
  The noun SECOND FIDDLE has 2 senses:

1. someone who serves in a subordinate capacity or plays a secondary role

2. a secondary role or function

  Familiarity information: SECOND FIDDLE used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SECOND FIDDLE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Someone who serves in a subordinate capacity or plays a secondary role

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

second banana; second fiddle

Hypernyms ("second fiddle" is a kind of...):

foot soldier; subordinate; subsidiary; underling (an assistant subject to the authority or control of another)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A secondary role or function

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Context example:

he hated to play second fiddle to anyone

Hypernyms ("second fiddle" is a kind of...):

function; office; part; role (the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group)

 Context examples 

He was no gentle lamb, and the part of second fiddle would never do for the high-pitched dominance of his nature.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)