play second fiddle (to someone), fife and drum, fife major

Formal and Informal Expressions of fife

In different contexts, you can replace 'fife' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'transverse flute' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'small flute' is a commonplace synonym.

fife: Explore its Definition & Usage

fife Definition

a small, high-pitched, transverse flute used in military and marching bands.

Using fife: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fife" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The band's fife player led the parade.
Example
He learned to play the fife when he was in the army.
Example
The tune was played on a fife and drum.

fife Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for fife

Phrases with fife

play second fiddle (to someone)
to be less important or in a weaker position than someone else
Example
I don't want to play second fiddle to anyone.
fife and drum
a type of music played on a fife and a drum, often associated with military or marching bands
Example
The fife and drum corps marched in the parade.
fife major
the musician who leads a fife band
Example
The fife major signaled the start of the march.

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Summary: fife in Brief

'Fife' [faɪf] is a small, high-pitched, transverse flute used in military and marching bands. It is often played alongside a drum in a fife and drum corps, as in 'The tune was played on a fife and drum.' 'Fife' is also used in idioms like 'play second fiddle (to someone),' meaning to be in a weaker position than someone else.