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
That data often takes a back seat to something much more essential: clarity, presence and the ability to connect.
—Lynn Smith, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
For everything else, the government is taking a back seat.
—Isabella M. Weber, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
The historic nature of the governor’s race takes a back seat
Irrespective of whom the Republican candidate is, Virginia voters will elect their first female governor in November.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 5 Apr. 2025
Also last night: Apologies to the NHL Western Conference final, which took a back seat to the theater above.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a back seat
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Lynn Smith, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
For everything else, the government is taking a back seat.
—Isabella M. Weber, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
The historic nature of the governor’s race takes a back seat
Irrespective of whom the Republican candidate is, Virginia voters will elect their first female governor in November.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 5 Apr. 2025
Also last night: Apologies to the NHL Western Conference final, which took a back seat to the theater above.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 22 May 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 6 Jun. 2025.
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