always a bridesmaid, never a bride phrase2 •Said of a person who has potential that is never fulfilled.Sword Dancer seemed destined to be always a bridesmaid, never a bride, after losing the Kentucky derby by a nose to Tomy Lee and finishing second, beaten four lengths, to Royal Orbit in the Preakness. — 1959 •Said of a woman who has (presumedly) acted as bridesmaid at weddings but has not yet married.
