# first among equals

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/first-among-equals
Updated: 2026-08-10

## 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.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.