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
NewsweekThat'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 toPhil TaylorPhysically and emotionally, these guys take a back seat to no one.—Mark Vancil
Mark VancilExamples of take a back seat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But entering this year’s camp, Lamb’s name had taken a back seat to Micah Parsons’ contract situation and the trade for standout wide receiver George Pickens.
—Jon MacHota, New York Times, 31 July 2025
This topic of conversation takes a back seat to Heather asking about invitations for her birthday party.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 July 2025
Since then, the other nations have taken a back seat, says Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a a think tank in Washington, D.C.
—Jackie Northam, NPR, 24 July 2025
These changes have ushered in a larger phenomenon called political nationalization, in which local political considerations, issues and candidate qualifications have taken a back seat to national politics.
—Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a back seat
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jon MacHota, New York Times, 31 July 2025
This topic of conversation takes a back seat to Heather asking about invitations for her birthday party.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 July 2025
Since then, the other nations have taken a back seat, says Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a a think tank in Washington, D.C.
—Jackie Northam, NPR, 24 July 2025
These changes have ushered in a larger phenomenon called political nationalization, in which local political considerations, issues and candidate qualifications have taken a back seat to national politics.
—Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a back seat
Cite this Entry
“Take a back seat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20back%20seat. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share