play second fiddle meaning in Hindi

play second fiddle in SSC previous-year questions

1. SSC CGL 2025 T-1 Idioms & Phrases

   Choose the correct meaning of idiom:
   To play the second fiddle

   ATo pretend submission in order to dominateBTo support another while accepting inferior statusCTo refuse recognition despite achievementDTo operate without being named
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: B) To support another while accepting inferior status

   "To play the second fiddle" means to take a subordinate or inferior role; support someone in a leading position.
   It comes from orchestras where the second fiddler plays a less prominent part than the first.

2. SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level) Idioms & Phrases

   Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: ‘Play second fiddle’

   ATake a less important roleBPerform music badlyCSupport a weak teamDWork for half salary
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: A) Take a less important role

   Meaning: play second fiddle (to someone) = to take a less important position than someone else *(किसी के अधीन/गौण भूमिका निभाना)*.
   *He refused to play second fiddle to his younger colleague.*
   
   Origin.
   In an orchestra the first violin (fiddle) leads; the second violin plays the supporting part. Playing "second fiddle" means accepting the supporting role.
   
   Why the others are wrong.
   #B Perform music badly *(बुरा संगीत बजाना)* — a literal misreading; the idiom is about rank, not skill.
   #B Support a weak team *(कमज़ोर टीम का साथ देना)* — that is *backing the underdog*.
   #B Work for half salary *(आधे वेतन पर काम करना)* — no such idiom; the idiom has nothing to do with pay.
   
   Answer: Take a less impo

3. SSC Steno 2026 T-1 Idioms & Phrases

   What does the idiom ‘Play second fiddle’ mean?

   ABe a leaderBStay unimportantCTake a supporting roleDPlay an instrument
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: C) Take a supporting role

   Meaning: play second fiddle = to take a supporting role, to be subordinate to someone more important *(गौण भूमिका निभाना, किसी के अधीन रहना)*.
   The phrase is normally followed by *to*: *play second fiddle to someone*.
   Example: *Tired of playing second fiddle to his elder brother in the firm, he set up his own company.*
   Origin.
   In an orchestra the *first fiddle* (first violin) leads; the *second fiddle* plays the supporting part.
   Why the others are wrong.
   • be a leader *(नेतृत्व करना)* — that is the *first* fiddle; the idiom is about the one who follows.
   • stay unimportant *(महत्वहीन रहना)* — too strong; a second fiddle is still in the orchestra and still needed, only *less* important than the

Examples

• “He was tired of playing second fiddle to his younger colleague.”

play second fiddle – questions

What is the meaning of play second fiddle in Hindi?

play second fiddle means “किसी के अधीन काम करना / गौण भूमिका निभाना” in Hindi. In English: To take a subordinate role to someone else.

What are the synonyms of play second fiddle?

Synonyms of play second fiddle: take a backseat, be subordinate.

What is the opposite of play second fiddle?

Antonyms of play second fiddle: lead, take charge.

Has play second fiddle been asked in SSC exams?

Yes – play second fiddle has been asked 3 times in SSC exams: SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level), SSC Steno 2026 T-1, SSC CGL 2025 T-1.

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