second string: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “second string” mean?
Used as a player or member who is a substitute, not part of the main or starting team.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Used as a player or member who is a substitute, not part of the main or starting team.
A person or thing regarded as a secondary or backup choice, not of the highest quality, importance, or priority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept and usage are identical in both varieties, with the sports origin being universally understood (though initially more prevalent in US sports lexicon).
Connotations
Slightly more common in American English due to strong sports culture. British speakers might also use 'substitute' or 'reserve' in literal sports contexts, but the figurative use of 'second string' is fully recognised.
Frequency
Medium frequency in AmE, slightly lower in BrE, but the idiom is well-established in both.
Grammar
How to Use “second string” in a Sentence
be + second string (to)play + second string (to)remain + second stringVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second string” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He's been a second-string centre-back for the club all season.
- They sent their second-string squad to the less important tournament.
American English
- The second-string quarterback led the team to a surprise victory.
- She started in a second-string role but worked her way up.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"In the merger talks, our legal team was considered second string to the external consultants."
Academic
"The researcher felt second string after her paper was rejected from the premier journal."
Everyday
"Don't make me feel like a second-string friend who only gets called when your other plans fall through."
Technical
(Sports) "The coach is rotating second-string players into the game to give the starters a rest."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second string”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second string”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second string”
- Using 'second strings' (plural) as a standard idiom (it's usually singular: 'second string').
- Confusing 'second string' with 'second-hand' or 'second rate' (though connotations overlap).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes from archery and music. Archers would carry a second string in case the first one broke. Musicians, particularly violinists, might have spare strings. The term was adopted into sports (like American football) for substitute players.
It can be, depending on context. It explicitly labels someone as not the first choice, which can be demotivating or belittling. It's best used for inanimate objects (plans, teams) or self-reference to avoid causing offence.
Both come from sports. 'Second string' implies a designated substitute, ready to play if needed. 'Benchwarmer' is more derogatory, suggesting a player who rarely, if ever, gets to play and just 'warms the bench'.
Yes. You can have a 'second-string strategy' (a backup plan) or refer to a 'second-string car' (a less reliable vehicle used when the primary one is unavailable).
Used as a player or member who is a substitute, not part of the main or starting team.
Second string is usually informal, figurative in register.
Second string: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈstrɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈstrɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play second fiddle (to)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a violin with two sets of strings: the primary, beautiful-sounding ones (first string) and a spare, replacement set kept in the case (second string), used only if the main ones break.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS A TEAM (where first-string players are more valued than second-string players).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'second string' LEAST likely to be used figuratively?