second string

Related to second string: first string

second string

The substitute players who replace the starters (or "first string") as a game goes on. A player on the second string is considered the second best player in that position. I'm only a freshman, so I'm thrilled to be second string. Just making the football team at all is exciting! Those guys need a breather—send in the second string.
See also: second, string
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • third string
  • penalty box
  • order (one) off the field
  • order off the field
  • one and one
  • a hole card
  • hole card
  • bring (one's) A-game
  • a place in the sun
  • a/(one's) place in the sun
References in periodicals archive
Bruce was in the stands for the 4-0 defeat against Manchester United last week and is set to take in more second string action in the weeks ahead.
Bruce looks to improve academy
"This is an important win for our morale especially because the three points have come through a second string team.
Sharjah, Al Shabab, Al Ahli biggest winners
Allseas is scheduled to begin laying the second string in summer 2015, with commissioning scheduled by the end of 2016.
First pipe for South Stream's offshore section produced in Russia
The Division II clash ended in a 1-1 draw between hosts Colne Valley and the Dragons second string.
Fifths win battle of the Dragons
AFTER THOUGHTWe fancy second string After to down the Queen's colours s
After the Queen; I'M RISKING MY NECK BY DESERTING 25/1 HEROINE
That's the thing about second strings, they are often ignored by punters and allowed to go off at a bigger price than their form should dictate.
Hats off to white caps when it comes to value
But he was dropped to the second string squad, known as the Saxons, during the Six Nations championship earlier this year and he does not believe he will be promoted this time around.
Cipriani prepares for Saxons summer
"Second string" means "replacement or back-up." This term comes from the Middle Ages, when an archer always carried a second string in case the one on his bow broke.
it's a fact
At the same time the Seconds take on Lanarkshire and Avon first teams, together with Hertfordshire's second string in Division One at Nottingham University.
Badminton: Fourths' County affair goes down to the wire; In association with www.flybe.com
CELTIC'S second string enjoyed a day off yesterday but still managed to wrap up the SFL Reserve League title - after Dundee United slipped up against Falkirk.
Football: Celts reserve joy
Seamus Heffernan soon had the Ballydoyle second string at the head of affairs in the Group Three contest over seven furlongs and she gamely kept her rivals at bay.
Horse Racing: KAMARINSKAYA
Tie a second string to the other end of the horizontal part of the hanger.
Hands-on science (no lab required)
Beethoven's Grosse Fuge, with its monumental architecture of pure sound, was mirrored in the abstract, pure neoclassicism of Bigonzetti's Pitture per Archi (Paintings for Strings), a 1992 commission for the Second String Festival in Reggio Emilia.
Bigonzetti on the rise
Yet even though he was hoping for a first-team chance, Sorensen must now impress in summer training with the second string. United promoted three youngsters to the senior end of the training ground, namely Thomas Allan, Mo Sangare and Nathan Harker.
Sorensen must impress to win first-team spot; HOT-SHOT IS BACK IN UNDER-23S TRAINING