cliché: always a bridesmaid, never a bride

Meaning: Never the most important person in a group (source); never fulfill ambitions (source).

Origins: 1924 Listerine ad (source). 

Example: I finally make president of the firm and they bring in a CEO - as usual, always a bridesmaid, never a bride.

Rewrites:

• always a groomsman, never a groom
• always a stable pony, never a thoroughbred
• always an assistant, never a department head
• always a supporting actor,  never a leading role
• always a seat warmer, never a celeb
• always a caterpillar, never a butterfly
• always a raindrop, never a snowflake
• always a nominee, never one who accepts the statue
• always a rivet, never a Bedazzler

Discussion: This ad tagline is rife with opportunities for rewrites and recasts. I would love to see what you can come up with.