ENGLISH
REFERENCE

first among equals

idiom
Meaning

A person or position that is formally of equal rank to others in a group, but nonetheless takes a leading role within that group.


Origin

disputed origin

Calque of Latin primus inter pares.

Examples
SIMPLE

The team leader is just first among equals in our group.

CONTEXTUAL

Although all partners share the same authority, the senior director acts as first among equals during board meetings.

COMPLEX

In the small council of advisors, the chancellor functioned as first among equals, guiding the consensus while respecting the formal equality of his peers.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    blink first

    To be the first party in some situation to give in or back down.

  2. 02

    cast the first stone

    To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.

  3. 03

    come first

    To win first place in a competition.

  4. 04

    director of first impressions

    A receptionist.

  5. 05

    feet first

    In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).

  6. 06

    first and last

    A person's combined given name and surname.

  7. 07

    first annual

    Being the first occurrence of an event that is scheduled or hoped to become annual.

  8. 08

    first come, first served

    One will be dealt with in the order in which one arrives.

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