Take a back seat is a colloquial expression which conveys stepping aside or yielding to someone else when faced with a problem or conflict. There are several synonyms to replace the phrase, such as taking a secondary role, playing a supportive role, relinquishing control, surrendering, conceding, and giving way. All these terms express the act of stepping back from being in control of a situation or taking a secondary position in a dispute. A person can utilize these words to convey a mutual understanding for a change in a relationship or to shift responsibility to other individuals. Such language can build social understanding, collaborations, and productive relationships.