Definition
跑龙套 (pǎo lóng tào) originally referred to running errands or playing a walk-on soldier in Chinese opera. Figuratively, it means to play a minor, unimportant role in any situation — a bit player with no influence. It's a fixed phrase used both literally (in theater/film) and metaphorically (in work, projects, etc.).
phrase
to play a minor roleto be a bit player (originally in opera, now figurative)
Examples
- 跑龙套，。Tā zài diànyǐng lǐ zhǐ shì yǎn ge pǎo lóng tào, zhǐ yǒu jǐ miǎo zhōng jìngtóu.He only plays a walk-on role in the movie, just a few seconds of screen time.
- ，跑龙套，。Zài zhège xiàngmù lǐ, wǒ búguò shì ge pǎo lóng tào, suǒyǒu zhòngyào juécè dōu bú shì wǒ zuò de.In this project, I'm just a bit player; none of the important decisions were made by me.
- 跑龙套，。Tā bù xiǎng yí bèizi dāng pǎo lóng tào, yúshì pīnmìng gōngzuò zhēngqǔ shēngzhí.He doesn't want to be a bit player his whole life, so he works hard to get a promotion.
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