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

Processed, pre-packaged foods are also taking a back seat to a burgeoning interest in fresh foods and cooking. —Sarah Miller, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025

Football’s Xs and Os take a back seat for the first night. —Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025

With their win over the Buffalo Bills Sunday night, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have entered the déjà vu stage of their dynastic run, where novelty takes a back seat to rematches with vanquished foes, and Super Bowl appearances begin to feel like something out of Groundhog Day. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2025

In some cases, growth will take a back seat to geopolitics. —Laurent Belsie, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above