Search
Select the dictionary language
Second banana
01
a performer who acts as stooge to a comedian
02
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.
Examples
The CEO is the boss, but the CFO is the second banana.
