second banana
1. A performer who acts as a support to a lead comedian (the so-called "top banana"), as during a burlesque or vaudeville routine. I generally don't mind playing second banana when I'm with such a legendary comedian, but it would be nice to be the one getting all the laughs once in a while.
2. By extension, someone who occupies a secondary, lesser, or subservient role or position. I've been second banana in this company for too long now. I'm going to start up my own business, and then I'll be the one in charge!
second banana
see under top banana.
second banana
mainly AMERICAN, INFORMAL1. If you call something or someone second banana you mean they are the next most important or popular person or thing after the most important or popular person or thing. While hockey is king in Canada, the sport has to play second banana south of the border to Major League Baseball.
2. A second banana is a performer who performs with someone else who has a bigger part in the performance. Carney returned to radio as second banana on comedy shows. Compare with play second fiddle.
second banana
the second most important person in an organization or activity. informal, chiefly North American