take a back seat

take a back seat  {v. phr.},  {informal}

Занимать должное или менее важное положение; быть второстепенным по отношению к чему-либо или кому-либо.

During the war all manufacturing had to take a back seat to military needs.

She does not have to take a back seat to any singer alive.

Ср.: PLAY SECOND FIDDLE.