second fiddles
Never the leads
Second fiddles are people who play a supporting or subordinate role, never the lead.
The term comes from orchestral seating, where first violinists carry the melody while second violinists provide harmony.
To play second fiddle is to be overshadowed by someone more prominent: He was tired of playing second fiddle to his older brother.
- assistantOne who aids another
- right hand manIndispensable chief assistant
- number twoDeputy or runner-up
- juniorLower in standing
- understudyBackup actor, ready nightly
backup · subsidiary · alternatives · subordinate · reserves · accompanist · back seat · wingman · sidekick · supporting role · followers · viola · aide · benchwarmer · concertmaster · lieutenant · ancillary · deputy
second fiddlesleaders
Those with authority
headliners · stars · leads · principals · chiefs
second fiddlesstars
Luminous celestial bodies
headliners · leading lights · luminaries · celebrities · superstars
second fiddleskey players
linchpins · cornerstones · MVPs · indispensables · driving forces
second, fiddle, seconds, secondly, secondary, secondaries, fiddler, fiddlers, fiddled