take a back seat

idiom

The phrase "take a back seat" is commonly used to describe stepping back from a position of importance or responsibility, often allowing others to take charge.

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Definition

B2General

(idiomatic)To assume a less prominent or active role in a situation or activity.

Example

After years of leading the team, she decided to take a back seat and let the younger members take over.

B2Priority

(idiomatic)To allow something to become less important or have a lower priority.

Example

Due to his illness, his work had to take a back seat for a while.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "take a back seat":

sit back stand aside take a seat step aside stand back back seat step back on the back foot lay back stay back fall back second fiddle back burner hang behind stepping back stay behind take one's place back-seat driving turn one's back back-seat driver stand down have a seat lie back sit out step down get behind take the bench back-seat gaming keep back sit under sit in give place kick back take the wheel stand behind back out set back sit down fall behind back off back down lay low hold back sit for front seat back away take the lead sit on ride bitch drop back be left at the post ride shotgun take the fall kick into the long grass go backwards let slide