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

Music takes a back seat, allowing the character’s emotions to play on screen. —Daron James, IndieWire, 15 Nov. 2025

The development of character has taken a back seat to plot mechanics as the season reaches its climax. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025

And in moments like these, intent takes a back seat to impact. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

Harry and Markle's seating placement drew ire from online critics as well as New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose, who said Koufax shouldn’t take a back seat to anyone. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 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