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Glite Dictionary
spear carrier

spear carrier

1 8.8
A person who has a very small part in a play or film, often with no lines
  • noun
  • /ˈspɪr ˈkɛrɪər/
translation icon : figurante

At the very same moment you're also the spear carrier or the extra in a much larger drama.

Examples

  • At the very same moment you're also the spear carrier or the extra in a much larger drama.

    Evan Carmichael

  • In the grand production, he played the role of a spear carrier, only appearing briefly on stage.

  • Despite her talent, she often felt like a spear carrier in the group, overshadowed by the main performers.

  • The documentary featured many spear carriers who contributed little but were essential to the overall story.

Synonyms

extra
vsspear carrier
32 3.5

A background actor who appears without speaking

is used more generally for any very small or insignificant role
lightweight
vsspear carrier
  • Offensive
14 5.8

A person or thing of little importance

focuses on insignificance in role or position rather than personal qualities
bit player
vsspear carrier
4 6.5

A person who has a small role in a film or play

is used more broadly for any very minor role or insignificant person
small fry
vsspear carrier
  • Offensive
1 6.9

People or groups seen as unimportant compared to others

is more specific to a very minor role in a performance or group
supernumerary
vsspear carrier
  • Jargon
9.8

A person who appears in crowd scenes without speaking parts

is broader covering any very minor or insignificant role not only cast members

Antonyms

lead
279 4.6

The main person who is in charge of a group or activity

main character
68 2.4

The most important person in a story like a book or movie

How Important

lead
279 4.6
bit part
5 4.1
spear carrier
1 8.8
extra
32 3.5

Surface Forms

spear carrier singular
spear carriers plural

Morphology

spear + carrier

Literally the phrase combines 'spear' + 'carrier' so a learner can infer a person who carries a spear, but the idiomatic extension to mean a minor or insignificant role (an extra) relies on theatrical convention and cultural knowledge. Because the basic literal sense is accessible but the specialized, conventionalized meaning is not fully predictable for a B1 learner without exposure, this is best classified as semi-transparent.

Etymology

Spear carrier comes from old stage plays where a spear carrier simply stood at the back holding a spear and had no lines. So, calling someone a spear carrier today means they have a 'very minor or insignificant role'.