English idiom

first among equals

Register · Formal CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

a member of a formally equal group who holds the leading or most prominent role

Word picture

One person is pictured at the front while still standing among peers of equal rank.

Example

“The chair is officially just one board member, but everyone treats her as first among equals.”

Dictionary details

Component words

first

Tags

control
work

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

first-mover advantage

the edge a company gains by entering a market before competitors

breathe down someone's neck

to monitor someone so closely that they feel pressured or uncomfortable

jockey for position

to maneuver competitively in order to gain the most advantageous position

call it a day

To decide to stop working on something for now.

do the job

to be good enough to achieve the desired result

every which way

in every direction, often in a scattered or disorderly way

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

markdown