taking a back seat
Letting others lead
Taking a back seat means assuming a less prominent or less active role, letting others lead or take priority.
The image is of sitting in the rear of a vehicle while someone else drives.
After years of running the company, she's taking a back seat to let younger executives lead.
My career took a back seat when the kids were born.
- followerOne who supports another
- backgroundOne's formative experiences
- quietismDoctrine of serene non-involvement
- yieldingBending under pressure
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
acquiescence · humility · support system · sidelines · subordinate · understudy · supporting role · in the wings · retreat · self-effacement · recesses · modesty · withdrawal · periphery · submission · shadow · low profile · listening
- Hierarchy termspecking order, junior, chain of command, secondary, totem pole
taking a back seattaking charge
Assuming leadership or control
taking the reins · taking control · calling the shots · running the show · steering
taking a back seathogging the spotlight
standing out · stealing the show · headlining · grandstanding
taking a back seatstepping up
Assuming more responsibility
taking initiative · asserting oneself · taking matters into one's own hands · jumping in · taking action
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