first among equals
A person or position that is formally of equal rank to others in a group, but nonetheless takes a leading role within that group.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The team leader is just first among equals in our group.”
“He is first among equals when the band writes new songs together.”
“You are first among equals during our weekly project meetings.”
“Although all partners share the same authority, the senior director acts as first among equals during board meetings.”
“Even though every teacher has the same voting power, the department head often acts as first among equals when planning the new curriculum.”
“The oldest brother is first among equals, making final decisions for the family business while respecting his siblings' opinions.”
“In the small council of advisors, the chancellor functioned as first among equals, guiding the consensus while respecting the formal equality of his peers.”
The term is a calque of the Latin *primus inter pares*. The phrasing reflects a deliberate attempt to reconcile the practical necessity of a leader with the theoretical requirement of social or political parity.
- 01
blink first
To be the first party in some situation to give in or back down.
- 02
cast the first stone
To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.
- 03
come first
To win first place in a competition.
- 04
director of first impressions
A receptionist.
- 05
feet first
In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).
- 06
first and last
A person's combined given name and surname.
- 07
first annual
Being the first occurrence of an event that is scheduled or hoped to become annual.
- 08
first come, first served
One will be dealt with in the order in which one arrives.
Last updated August 10, 2026