Site Search:
 
Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

idioms

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Learning English
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
hanygeorge38



Joined: 12 Jul 2003
Posts: 90
Location: egypt

PostPosted: Sat Sep 13, 2003 10:14 pm    Post subject: idioms Reply with quote

could you please tell me the meaning of the idiom

play second fiddle



thanks
_________________
hany
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger
Casio



Joined: 14 Sep 2003
Posts: 2

PostPosted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 2:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello,

play second fiddle to someone means to be second in importance to someone. For example,

He has been playing second fiddle to his boss for years and has finally decided to quit.

http://www.kimglish.com/englishidiomcollection/

All the best,

Casio
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Nikita



Joined: 14 Sep 2003
Posts: 5
Location: Kharkov, Ukraine

PostPosted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 5:03 am    Post subject: one more explanation Reply with quote

Hi Very Happy

Casio's explanation is absolutely right. Just want to add another one from The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy.

To play a supporting or minor role in relation to someone else: "Tired of playing second fiddle, she resigned and started her own company"; In an orchestra, the position of second violinist (fiddle) is not as glamorous as that of first violinist.

You can find it at the following link http://www.bartleby.com/59/4/playsecondfi.html

Take care,

Nikita Kovalyov
International House, Kharkiv
----------------------------------
Quality English Teaching
http://www.kovalyov.com
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Learning English All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Dave's ESL Cafe is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Banner Advertising | Bookstore / Alta Books | FAQs | Articles | Interview with Dave
Copyright © 2018 Dave's ESL Cafe | All Rights Reserved | Contact Dave's ESL Cafe | Site Map

Teachers College, Columbia University: Train to Teach English Here or Abroad
SIT
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group