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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for take a back seat

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of take a back seat was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Take a back seat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20back%20seat. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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