be second only to (someone or something)

be second only to (someone or something)

To be regarded as less valuable or important than only one other person or thing. She's a great candidate for the job—her experience is second only to her knowledge of the industry.

See also: second

be second only to somebody/something

be in a position where only one person or thing is better, more important, etc: As a pianist, he was second only to Rubinstein.

See also: second, somebody, something