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

As bold colors take a back seat, this simple neutral is steering paint trends in a more calm, timeless direction. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025

The Panthers’ offense was able to take a back seat of sorts with the defense dominating the NFC South rivals. —Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025

Kaidon Salter Colorado Buffaloes QB Kaidon Salter is back in the starting lineup, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, after taking a back seat to Ryan Staub in last week’s loss to the Houston Cougars. —Erik Buchinger, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Concerns about stubborn inflation have taken a back seat for now, though, to worries about a weakening job market. —Scott Horsley, NPR, 17 Sep. 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