SECOND FIDDLE Meaning and
Definition
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Second fiddle is an idiomatic expression that originated from the world of music and refers to a person in a subordinate or supporting role. The term is commonly used in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who plays a subordinate or less important role in a particular situation, organization, or relationship.
In the musical context, the second fiddle refers to the second violinist in an orchestra. While the first violinist often takes the lead and showcases their skills with the melody, the second violinist typically provides harmonies and fills in the background, playing a supportive role. As such, the second fiddle is considered less prominent and receives less recognition compared to the first violinist.
Similarly, in a broader sense, someone who is playing "second fiddle" is in a position of lesser importance, influence, or power. They may be overshadowed by a more dominant or talented individual, or may willingly accept a supporting role. This could apply to various scenarios, such as work environments, friendships, or even romantic relationships, where one person takes on a leading role while the other person assumes the secondary position.
Being in the "second fiddle" role does not necessarily imply incompetence or lack of ability. It simply signifies that the person is not the primary focus or decision-maker. The term can carry connotations of being less valued, having less recognition, or experiencing a sense of being overlooked or underappreciated.
Common Misspellings for SECOND FIDDLE
- aecond fiddle
- zecond fiddle
- xecond fiddle
- decond fiddle
- eecond fiddle
- wecond fiddle
- swcond fiddle
- sscond fiddle
- sdcond fiddle
- srcond fiddle
- s4cond fiddle
- s3cond fiddle
- sexond fiddle
- sevond fiddle
- sefond fiddle
- sedond fiddle
- secind fiddle
- secknd fiddle
- seclnd fiddle
Etymology of SECOND FIDDLE
The phrase "second fiddle" refers to a person who occupies a subordinate role or takes a lesser position compared to someone else. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the world of classical music.
In an orchestra setting, the first violinist is typically considered the principal or lead musician. This position holds the melody and is regarded as the most important in terms of prominence and visibility. On the other hand, the second violinists play a supporting role, providing harmony and support to the first violin.
The term "second fiddle" emerged to describe this hierarchical relationship within the violin section of an orchestra. By extension, it came to be used metaphorically to refer to any situation where someone is playing a secondary role or taking a subservient position.
It is worth noting that the term "fiddle" in this context is interchangeable with "violin".
Idioms with the word SECOND FIDDLE
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play second fiddle (to sb/sth)
"Play second fiddle (to sb/sth)" is an idiomatic expression that means to occupy a subordinate or secondary position to someone or something. It implies that a person or thing is seen as less important, prominent, or influential compared to another. The idiom originates from orchestras, where the first violinist is considered the lead and the second violinist plays a supporting role.
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play second fiddle (to somebody/something)
The idiom "play second fiddle (to somebody/something)" means to have a subordinate or less important role compared to someone or something else. It refers to being in a position of lesser significance or being overshadowed by another person or thing.
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play second fiddle to
The idiom "play second fiddle to" means to hold a position of lesser importance or to be in a subordinate or subservient role to someone or something else. It originated from the concept of a musical orchestra, where the second violinist, or "second fiddle," plays a supporting role to the first violinist.
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play second fiddle (to sm)
The idiom "play second fiddle (to someone)" refers to accepting a subordinate or less important role to another person or group. It means being in a position of less authority or prominence while someone else takes the lead or holds a more prominent position.
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play second fiddle
The idiom "play second fiddle" means to be in a subordinate or less important position, often in comparison to someone else who is receiving more attention, credit, or prominence. It implies playing a supporting role or being of lesser significance.
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second fiddle
The idiom "second fiddle" refers to being in a subordinate or secondary position to someone else, often implying that one is playing a supporting or less important role.
Similar spelling words for SECOND FIDDLE
- secondhand,
- second-year,
- second deck,
- second half,
- second advent,
- second class,
- second estate,
- second-rate,
- second baseman,
- second balcony,
- Second Reich,
- second-rater,
- season ticket,
- second person,
- second crusade,
- second-guess,
- second base,
- second nature,
- second period,
- second reading,
- second power,
- second sacker,
- Second Empire,
- second hand,
- second gear,
- secondment,
- second earl grey,
- second moment,
- second cousin,
- second-best,
- second best,
- secondguess,
- secondarily,
- second wind.
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