second best
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishsecond bestˌsecond ˈbest1 noun [uncountable] BEST#something that you have to accept which is not perfect or not the best Im not going to settle for second best.Examples from the Corpussettle for second best Last week, Francis sent out the strongest possible signal that he won't settle for second best at Sheffield Wednesday. We could become a country of citizens, not subjects, striving for excellence rather than settling for second best. Second best Meanwhile, Colin Jackson once again had to settle for second best after a dramatic and controversial 60 metres hurdles final. We shouldn't have to settle for second best. Arthur soon accepted the fact that he would have to settle for second best. Others were less ready to settle for second best. So, when it comes to replacement parts, why settle for second best? second bestˌsecond ˈbest2 adjective [only before noun], adverb BESTnot quite as good as the best one Allie was the second best shooter on the rifle team.come off second best [=lose a game or competition, or not be as successful as someone else]Examples from the Corpussecond best Arthur soon accepted the fact that he would have to settle for second best. But, remarkably, a savanna-picture is almost always selected as second best. Others were less ready to settle for second best. The Vision's two ovens must make all other cookers second best.come off second best Unless you hit something the size of an aircraft carrier you're unlikely to come off second best.