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

While tech was bouncing again Wednesday, defensive stocks that have been strong lately took a back seat. —Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026

Taking a backseat to the 2026 blizzard Though its societal impact may never be topped, the Blizzard of '78 must now take a back seat to the 2026 blizzard in terms of the snowiest storm in Rhode Island history. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026

Those doubts ultimately creep in just in time for the roundtable, where a now-uncertain Tara hopes to take a back seat despite leading the charge against Rob earlier in the day. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026

For Kate Middleton and Prince William, royal duties take a back seat to parenting their children, as shown by how William stepped back from his duties during the princess’ cancer treatments, according to a royal author. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 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