second man: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Semi-formal to formal; common in sports commentary, organisational hierarchies, and technical fields.
Quick answer
What does “second man” mean?
The person who assists or is subordinate to the leader or primary figure in a specific context, often an official position.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The person who assists or is subordinate to the leader or primary figure in a specific context, often an official position.
A general term for a deputy, assistant, or the person in second place of authority. It can also refer to a boxer's trainer/assistant, a rank in sailing (mainsheet hand), or metaphorically to a person who supports a more prominent figure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. In sailing, 'second man' (UK) is often synonymous with 'mainsheet hand' (UK/US). In business contexts, 'deputy' or 'number two' is more common than 'second man' in both, but the latter is understood.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English in sporting contexts. In American English, it may sound slightly more dated or formal for organisational roles.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, particularly in sailing, cricket, and rowing terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “second man” in a Sentence
[Act as/Be/Appoint as] + [the] + second man + [to/of] + [leader/team][Second man] + [verb e.g., assists, coordinates, reports]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second man” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was second-manned to the project lead.
- They will second-man the new initiative.
American English
- He was assigned to second-man the operation.
- She second-manned the committee.
adjective
British English
- The second-man position is now open.
- He has a second-man role.
American English
- The second-man slot is crucial.
- She accepted the second-man job.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a deputy to a managing director or CEO, though 'deputy' or 'Vice President' is more standard.
Academic
Rare; used historically in descriptions of organisational structures or team hierarchies.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used when describing roles in sports clubs or volunteer groups.
Technical
Common in sailing (mainsheet hand), mountaineering (the second climber on a rope), and boxing (the cornerman).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second man”
Strong
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second man”
- Using 'second man' for a simple assistant in non-hierarchical tasks (overly formal).
- Capitalising it when not a formal title: 'He was second man' not 'He was Second Man'.
- Using 'the' incorrectly: 'He was appointed second man' (often no article).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not inherently gender-neutral. In modern usage, 'second-in-command', 'deputy', or 'assistant' are often preferred for formal roles to avoid gendered language. In historical or specific sporting contexts, 'second man' remains standard.
Yes, though it's less common and considered informal or jargon. It means to act as an assistant or deputy to someone (e.g., 'Can you second-man this meeting for me?').
'Right-hand man' implies a closer, more trusted, and personal relationship with the leader, often involved in key decisions. 'Second man' is more neutral, focusing on the official position in a hierarchy, such as in a sports team or formal organisation.
Often the definite article 'the' is omitted when referring to the role or title, similar to 'He was appointed captain'. Use 'the' when specifying a particular individual ('The second man on the team is injured') or when the role is being described generically ('The role of the second man is demanding').
The person who assists or is subordinate to the leader or primary figure in a specific context, often an official position.
Second man is usually semi-formal to formal; common in sports commentary, organisational hierarchies, and technical fields. in register.
Second man: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Second man on the rope (climbing)”
- “Second man in (cricket)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'SECOND' violin in an orchestra – not the conductor (first), but crucial support. A 'SECOND man' is the crucial support person.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS A LADDER/RANK (second rung), SUPPORT IS A FOUNDATION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'second man' a formal, technical term?