"Second violin" is a term commonly used to denote someone who plays a supporting role or takes a secondary position. There are various synonyms for this term, including backup, assistant, understudy, wingman, backup singer, supporting actor/actress, and sidekick. Each of these terms implies some form of support or backup for the main role. An understudy, for instance, is a performer who learns the lines and techniques of the lead actor/actress to be ready to take over if they are unable to perform. Similarly, a backup singer provides vocal support for the lead singer during a performance. Whatever the context, each of these synonyms for "second violin" conveys the importance of a good support system for achieving success.