describing the members of a sports team who play regularly at the start of a match (rather than being substituted on)

(sports) A unit of players which is considered to have a secondary level of talent and which usually plays after the first string.

(idiomatic) Not as good; of a lower quality or condition.

the members of a sports team who play regularly at the start of a match (rather than being substituted on) / the first violinist in an orchestra.

A common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) / An immature runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) / A yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) / A hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus)

belonging to the second string of a team / substitute or replacement / second most important

(sports) A unit of players that plays behind the first and second strings; a junior varsity team.

belonging to the third string of a team; one who plays behind the first and second strings. / a substitute or replacement.

(idiomatic) Of a decidedly lower quality or condition.

aerosol string