НА ВТОРЫХ РОЛЯХPrepPInvarsubj-compl with copula (subj: human or obj-compl with держать ( obj: human)fixedWO
(to be or keep s.o. ) in a position of secondary importance: (play) a supporting role
(be (keep s.o. )) in a subordinate position.
И хотя со временем бабушка освоилась с хозяйством и с семьёй, но она так и осталась на вторых ролях (Рыбаков 1). ...And although in time she (Grandmother) learned to cope with the house and the family, she always played a supporting role (1a).