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

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to pursue territorial gains as ceasefire talks take a back seat. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 29 June 2025

Amid all that, the movie itself has taken a back seat, until now. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 May 2025

However, creativity—the fuel for innovation—often takes a back seat, viewed as a luxury. —Shane Savage, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

The tannins take a back seat to acidity, which will help this wine age for decades. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

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