back seat

noun

1. a seat at the back, esp of a vehicle
2. informal.
   a subordinate or inconspicuous position (esp in the phrase take a back seat )

Example Sentences

"Biodiversity still takes a back seat to climate action - even though the science speaks strongly to the need for fully coordinated approaches," she said.

From BBC

She tried to address those in her speech as well, even if they seemed to take a back seat to more lofty language and pointed attacks.

From BBC

Other issues — such as the economy, immigration, abortion and fair elections — have topped the agenda during the presidential campaign, while the environment, climate change and public land priorities have mostly taken a back seat.

From Los Angeles Times

Like it or not, morality takes a back seat when cash becomes the driver.

From BBC

But in a campaign season that has been light on detailed proposals on health policy — which has often taken a back seat to other issues — “you have to look more at their records,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, an independent health policy research and news organization.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lesser
• secondary