second in command
noun /ˌsekənd ɪn kəˈmɑːnd/
/ˌsekənd ɪn kəˈmænd/
- second in command (to somebody) a person who has the second highest rank in a group and takes charge when the leader is not there
- For twenty years he served the business as second in command to his father.
- his second in command, Major Thursby
- She is second in command.