expression, suru verb (special)
be left in the dust; be outdone
Idiomatic expression meaning to fall far behind someone in ability, achievement, or progress, as if following the dust they kick up. Often used with ～の後塵を拝する.
彼の才能にはとてもかなわず、いつも後塵を拝している。
I can never match his talent and am always left in the dust.
expression, suru verb (special)
play second fiddle; be subordinate
Idiomatic use for being in a subordinate or less prominent position, often in a competitive or hierarchical context. Less common than sense 1.
彼は常に兄の後塵を拝する立場に甘んじている。
He always resigns himself to playing second fiddle to his older brother.