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
NewsweekThat'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 toPhil TaylorPhysically and emotionally, these guys take a back seat to no one.—Mark Vancil
Mark VancilExamples of take a back seat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The mini-tournament Sunday did have some moments of inspired basketball, but the basketball itself seemed to take a back seat to a variety show of sorts.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 17 Feb. 2025
Plympton and his team’s work is so arresting, balancing the grotesque and beautiful, the chaotic and serene, that the story inevitably takes a back seat to the art.
—Barry Levitt, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
For months, experts have been concerned that public health authorities have been lethargic in their response to the burgeoning pandemic, and that public safety has taken a back seat to agricultural interests.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Processed, pre-packaged foods are also taking a back seat to a burgeoning interest in fresh foods and cooking.
—Sarah Miller, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a back seat
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Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 17 Feb. 2025
Plympton and his team’s work is so arresting, balancing the grotesque and beautiful, the chaotic and serene, that the story inevitably takes a back seat to the art.
—Barry Levitt, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
For months, experts have been concerned that public health authorities have been lethargic in their response to the burgeoning pandemic, and that public safety has taken a back seat to agricultural interests.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Processed, pre-packaged foods are also taking a back seat to a burgeoning interest in fresh foods and cooking.
—Sarah Miller, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a back seat
Cite this Entry
“Take a back seat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20back%20seat. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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