second line of defense; support position; backstage role
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
the second line of defense (in war)
formalA military term referring to backup defensive positions behind the front line.
After the first line of defense was breached, they fell back to the second line.
The command post was set up in the second line, making it relatively safer.
noun
a position with no direct leadership responsibility
neutralOften used to describe senior personnel who have stepped back from frontline management but may still provide guidance.
The senior leader voluntarily stepped back to a supporting role, letting younger people take on major responsibilities.
He serves as a backstage advisor at the company and does not participate in daily decision-making.
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After stepping back from the front line, he has more time to think about strategic issues.
noun
positions not directly engaged in core production, teaching, or research
neutralRefers to support, administrative, or logistical roles that enable frontline work.
The hospital's policy is to strengthen the frontline medical staff and reduce the back-office administrative personnel.
The school's support departments include logistics and finance.