Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the…
2024
Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, E (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.
To play second fiddle
- A.
To be happy, cheerful and healthy
- B.
To reduce importance of one's senior
- C.
To support the role and view of another person
- D.
To do back seat driving
Attempted by 5 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Idiom-meaning questions test the fixed figurative sense an idiom carries by established usage, not a literal word-for-word reading. Many English idioms describe interpersonal roles or hierarchy — one person taking a subordinate, supporting, or secondary position relative to another.
'To play second fiddle' literally refers to the second-violin part in an orchestra, which follows and supports the first violin's lead. Figuratively, it means to accept a supporting or subordinate role and defer to another person's lead or view — precisely the sense captured by 'To support the role and view of another person.'
Contrasting the other options by their own meaning:
'To be happy, cheerful and healthy' describes a state of well-being or contentment — unrelated to any hierarchy or subordination.
'To reduce importance of one's senior' describes actively undermining a senior — the opposite dynamic, since the idiom is about deferring TO someone, not diminishing them.
'To do back seat driving' describes interfering with or directing someone else's actions from a secondary position — a different idiom (backseat driving = giving unwanted directions), not about accepting a subordinate role.
So the idiom's established meaning matches accepting a supporting role and deferring to another person's lead or view.