take a back seat

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

In both shows, romance takes a back seat as a minor subplot, proving that WOCA (an acronym for women of a certain age that Ride Or Die fully embraces) are interested in more than love stories and relationship triangles. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026

Aside from the stage at Jay-Z’s three-night Yankee Stadium run, Timberland’s 6-Inch Waterproof boot has understandably taken a back seat this summer in favor of more breathable, nimble footwear. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 July 2026

Even during earnings calls, discussions about new vehicle models often take a back seat to conversations about neural networks, machine learning and artificial intelligence. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

During a month to remember for the Miami Heat, one highlighted by Thursday’s welcoming of Giannis Antetokounmpo, summer league was destined to take a back seat. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 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