be secondary
[/bi ˈsɛkənderi/]
verb phrase
ser secundário
1. to be of lesser importance or rank; to occupy a position that is not primary or main
Her career concerns should not be secondary to family obligations.
As preocupações com sua carreira não devem ser secundárias às obrigações familiares.
2. to come after something else in order of importance or priority
Safety concerns cannot be secondary in this industry.
As preocupações com segurança não podem ser secundárias nesta indústria.
3. to take a back seat to something more important
The main plot should not be secondary to subplot development.
O enredo principal não deve ser secundário ao desenvolvimento da trama secundária.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, this phrase is commonly used in workplace discussions about priorities, family decisions, and academic settings. Brazilians often use the idiom 'ficar em segundo plano' (remain in the background) as a more colloquial alternative, especially in conversational Portuguese.
NYC Slang
take a backseat / be on the back burner
Related Idioms & Phrases
take a back seat to something
be in the background
be pushed to the side
be on the back burner
ficar em segundo plano (PT-BR)
ficar para segundo lugar (PT-BR)
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