跑龙套

跑龙套

Literally means:

run in costumes of an attendant

Actually means:

play minor role

龙套 refers to costumes for attendants or soldiers in traditional Chinese operas. Since dragon scales are embroidered on such costumes, they are called Long Tao, the dragon garment.

The whole phrase literally means those dressed in dragon garments and act as servants or soldiers in traditional operas. It figuratively refers to those who run errands for others or who play minor roles.

龙套，传统戏曲中成队出场的随从或士兵穿的戏服，因为上面绣有龙纹，所以叫龙套。

跑龙套，戏曲中穿龙套的，扮演随从或士兵的人。比喻在别人手下做一些小事，或充当小角色。