take a back seat

Idioms  

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]

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Example Sentences

But analysts say if instability persists in the Middle East, that concern could take a back seat to China ensuring it can secure all the gas it needs.

From The Wall Street Journal

As is typical with these congressional addresses, no matter who the president is, foreign policy tended to take a back seat.

From BBC

“Even though the overall fundamentals of the business remain solid, that will likely take a back seat to the battle to acquire Warner Bros.,” media analyst Ralph Schackart of William Blair wrote in a note to clients.

From MarketWatch

“Notional ideas rooted in fundamentals are going to frequently take a back seat in favor of the ever-increasing pace of change in global geopolitics,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Credit-card revenue fears are likely to quickly take a back seat as Delta reports earnings Tuesday, providing a key update on the health of the sector.

From Barron's