Take a back seat
verb
To accept a less important position or role.
After having kids, she decided to take a back seat in her career.
Often appears as...
- decide to take a back seat
- willing to take a back seat
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To put less energy or focus into something.
I had to take a back seat in my hobbies when I started university.
Often appears as...
- take a back seat in my hobbies
- study should take a back seat
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To accept a less important position or role.
After having kids, she decided to take a back seat in her career.
Often appears as...
- decide to take a back seat
- willing to take a back seat
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To put less energy or focus into something.
I had to take a back seat in my hobbies when I started university.
Often appears as...
- take a back seat in my hobbies
- study should take a back seat
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Not Center Stage
When you 'take a back seat', you are letting others lead or get attention while you stay less visible.
During the meeting, Joe took a back seat and let his team present the project.
Pro Tip 2/3Voluntary Passivity
It suggests a choice to not be in control or at the forefront of an activity or decision-making.
He willingly took a back seat to let his co-founder manage the negotiations.
Pro Tip 3/3Temporary Status
The phrase often implies the situation is not permanent and you might take an active role again later.
She's taking a back seat during this project but will lead the next one.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Center Stage
When you 'take a back seat', you are letting others lead or get attention while you stay less visible.
During the meeting, Joe took a back seat and let his team present the project.
Pro Tip 2/3Voluntary Passivity
It suggests a choice to not be in control or at the forefront of an activity or decision-making.
He willingly took a back seat to let his co-founder manage the negotiations.
Pro Tip 3/3Temporary Status
The phrase often implies the situation is not permanent and you might take an active role again later.
She's taking a back seat during this project but will lead the next one.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Center Stage
When you 'take a back seat', you are letting others lead or get attention while you stay less visible.
During the meeting, Joe took a back seat and let his team present the project.
Pro Tip 2/3Voluntary Passivity
It suggests a choice to not be in control or at the forefront of an activity or decision-making.
He willingly took a back seat to let his co-founder manage the negotiations.
Pro Tip 3/3Temporary Status
The phrase often implies the situation is not permanent and you might take an active role again later.
She's taking a back seat during this project but will lead the next one.
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