take a back seat

1. Occupy an inferior position; allow another to be in control. For example, Linda was content to take a back seat and let Nancy run the meeting. This idiom uses back seat in contrast to the driver's seat, that is, the one in control. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

And do the most obvious mechanisms for lessening screen time—putting your phone away, acting like an actual human being sometimes, or taking a walk outside—really need to take a back seat to industry?

From Slate

The Foothill League doesn’t have to take a back seat to any league when it comes to tradition and success, from producing state champions to being the league where Hall of Fame coaches Harry Welch and Mike Herrington once saw huge success.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’re not going to take a back seat any longer.”

From Los Angeles Times

If he falls short of a majority in 2026, it looks like independence will have to take a back seat for a while.

From BBC

Early in his career, Tuipulotu’s versatility kept him on the field, particularly on special teams — a role that might now take a back seat despite his influence.

From Los Angeles Times