take a back seat

idiomatic phrase

variants or take a backseat

: to have or assume a secondary position or status : to be or become less important, active, or powerful

Howard loved directing "more than I even thought I would," and his acting career has taken a back seat ever since.

—Newsweek

That's why Bryant's willingness to tone down his game is significant. It doesn't mean, however, that he's content to take a backseat indefinitely.

—Phil Taylor

—often used with to

Physically and emotionally, these guys take a back seat to no one.

—Mark Vancil

Examples of take a back seat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To judge by reviews, the Netflix series The Diplomat is about a highly accomplished woman being thrust into a position of real power but feeling unprepared because she is used to taking a back seat to her more accomplished husband. —Martha Bayles, National Review, 19 Dec. 2024

For better or worse, football will take a back seat for me this Sunday as my second oldest daughter Abby gets married to Colin, a terrific young man. —Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024

Both Harris and President Joe Biden appear to have taken a back seat as Trump and his team prepare to take over government in January. —Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Dec. 2024

For one day, at least, streaming, had by and large, took a back seat to theatrically released blockbuster films and live event programming on broadcast television. —Brad Adgate, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above