second-string
second-string — adjective
1. used for a player or unit that is below the main lineup and expected to step in
used for a player or unit that is below the main lineup and expected to step in when a starter is unavailable or rested.
The club signed Owen as a second-string goalkeeper behind the veteran starter.
second-string + position noun
After Dylan hurt his ankle, the second-string center started the playoff game.
second-string player replacing injured starter
Camila spent most away matches as the second-string keeper for the team.
The second-string unit practiced late-game plays while the starters met with trainers.
second-string unit as reserve group
Fans expected Justin to remain a second-string forward until the starter recovered.
- second-string goalkeeper
- second-string center
- second-string unit
- second-string forward
- starting
describes the first-choice lineup
- first-choice
emphasises being selected ahead of all others
Grammar Patterns
second-string + position noun
second-string + unit/team noun
Usage Note
Usually comes before a player or team-role noun such as goalkeeper, center, or unit. It describes a place in the team's depth chart rather than a player's general ability.
Common Mistakes
second-string — noun
1. the reserve players on a team, or one player in that reserve line instead of the
the reserve players on a team, or one player in that reserve line instead of the starting lineup.
When the score reached four-nil, the manager sent in the second string.
send in the second string
The second string finished the last quarter after two starters fouled out.
the second string as reserve group
Reporters blamed the loss on a tired second string, not on the captain.
By spring camp, Sana had moved from the second string to the starting lineup.
move from reserve group to starters
At left back, Pim was the second string behind the usual starter.
one backup player for a position
- the second string
- send in the second string
- play the second string
- move up from the second string
- starters
the players who begin the game
- first string
the main lineup above the reserve level
Grammar Patterns
the second string
move from the second string to the starting lineup
Usage Note
Usually appears with the in sports writing. It can name the whole reserve group or, in a position-specific sentence, the backup player behind one starter. Distinguish from the adjective sense: this sense names the people themselves.
Common Mistakes
Etymology
This sports term grew from the contrast between a team's first string and second string. In this use, string means a ranked line of players, so the second string is the line behind the starters. From that noun use, the adjective came to describe any backup player or reserve unit.
First known use
1922
1922, in the meaning defined above