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Second banana
01
二号角色, 配角
a performer who acts as stooge to a comedian
02
副手, 助手
an individual who is not as important or influential as someone else in an organization
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "second banana" and when to use it?
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.
Example
The CEO is the boss, but the CFO is the second banana.
首席执行官是老板，但首席财务官是副手。
The quarterback is the star of the team, but the offensive coordinator is the second banana.
四分卫是球队的明星，但进攻协调员是副手。
