second banana
Plural
second bananas
1
a performer who acts as stooge to a comedian
Synonyms:
2
an individual who is not as important or influential as someone else in an organization
The idiom "second banana" is thought to have originated in the vaudeville era of the early 20th century. In vaudeville, the "top banana" was the lead comedian, while the "second banana" was the supporting comedian, often playing the role of the straight man. The phrase is now used more broadly to mean a person who is in a secondary or supporting role, especially to a more important or powerful person.
- The CEO is the boss, but the CFO is the second banana.
- The quarterback is the star of the team, but the offensive coordinator is the second banana.
- The lead singer is the most famous member of the band, but the drummer is the second banana.
- The politician is the one who gives the speeches, but the campaign manager is the second banana who makes sure everything runs smoothly.
- The CEO is the face of the company, but the COO is the second banana who makes sure the company runs smoothly.
Synonyms: