ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play first fiddle

idiom
Meaning

To play a leading role.


Origin

disputed origin

From the first violin in an orchestra.

Examples
SIMPLE

She always wants to play first fiddle in every project.

CONTEXTUAL

In this new company, he is tired of being an assistant and wants to play first fiddle for once.

COMPLEX

Although he was the most experienced member of the team, he was content to let his younger colleague play first fiddle during the high-stakes presentation.

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

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  4. 04

    come first

    To win first place in a competition.

  5. 05

    director of first impressions

    A receptionist.

  6. 06

    feet first

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

  7. 07

    fiddle while Rome burns

    To neglect helping when one’s time is needed most; to ignore the major problem at hand (whilst doing something less important); to be idle, inactive, or uninterested in a time of great need.

  8. 08

    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.

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