take a back seat

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

That'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 to

Physically and emotionally, these guys take a back seat to no one.

—Mark Vancil

Examples of take a back seat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Speed takes a back seat to creativity and celebration at this event. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026

Yet in the heart of the season, the league’s basketball has often taken a back seat. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026

Sorry millennials, skinny jeans have taken a back seat lately for baggier styles, and Emily Ratajkowski isn’t the only celeb on board. — Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026

Gimmicky marketing or overly complex store tech will take a back seat to consistent customer service and hassle-free shopping journeys. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take a back seat

• amit
• athlete
• backseat
• blackfeet
• broadsheet
• browbeat
• buckwheat
• compete
• compleat
• complete
• conceit
• concrete