second fiddle

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word second fiddle. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word second fiddle, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say second fiddle in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word second fiddle you have here. The definition of the word second fiddle will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofsecond fiddle, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Pronunciation

  • (file)

Noun

second fiddle (plural second fiddles)

  1. (music) A fiddle part in harmony to the first fiddle.
    The second fiddle on that tune is almost as hard as the first fiddle.
  2. (music) The person playing second fiddle.
    I've been second fiddle in that orchestra for ten years now.
  3. (idiomatic) A sidekick or subordinate, or the role of such a person.
    I'm tired of being your second fiddle!
    • 1987, Joyce Brandon, Lady and the Lawman, page 346:
      Listen, buttercup, you're damned good in bed. They don't come any better, but I'm really not interested in playing second fiddle to your camera or your young lovers.

Related terms

Translations

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

See also