third-stringer
Backup's backup player
A third-stringer is a substitute player who ranks behind both the starter and the backup—someone unlikely to see action except in blowouts or emergencies.
The term extends beyond sports to anyone low in a hierarchy or lacking credentials: They sent some third-stringer to cover the story.
The implication is marginal talent or importance.
Stored duplicate for recovery
Clean by rubbing hard
What takes another's place
- fill-inTemporary substitute person
- reliefEasing of distress
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
- pinch-hitterSubstitute batter
Inexperienced newcomer
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- untestedNot yet examined
- unprovenNot yet established
- greenhornInexperienced, gullible newcomer
walk-on · tryout · dark-horse · developmental
backup
Stored duplicate for recovery
scrub
Clean by rubbing hard
replacement
What takes another's place
pinch-hitter · stopgap · backup · plug-in
rookie
Inexperienced newcomer
greenhorn · walk-on · tryout · dark-horse · developmental
third-stringerstarter
Initiator of action
first-stringer · star · star player · franchise player · number one
third-stringerkey player
Essential contributor to success
linchpin · cornerstone · main attraction · central figure · bigwig
third, string, thirds, strings, strung, stringy, stringer, stringers, stringing