Crossword Genius

Subordinate part in inferior play (6,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

second fiddle

'subordinate part' is the definition.
(playing second fiddle means having a minor role)

'inferior play' is the wordplay.
'inferior' becomes 'second' (inferior can mean secondary or less important).
'play' becomes 'fiddle' (fiddling is a kind of playing).
'second'+'fiddle'='SECOND FIDDLE'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for second fiddle that I've seen before include "not of the first rank" , "Subordinate role" , "should take a bow?" , "Junior player" , "Dry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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