The phrase "third fiddle" refers to a person or thing that holds a less important position or role compared to two others. It implies being in a subordinate or inferior position. Full definition
It also confirms what we might have suspected about Gabrielle Union for a decade or so: She can carry a movie on her own, without playing third fiddle in a male - dominated actioner or being lost among the crowd in supporting roles and comic ensembles. (markreviewsmovies.com)
Thankfully Turturro gets more screen time than expected, playing third fiddle in this two - star feature. (cinema-scene.com)
I too have much regard for Giroud but we are never going to win the title with his standard as main striker, despite his relative success and at 31 he can not be expected to play third fiddle behind the LACAZETTE and P - MA. (justarsenal.com)