first among equals



first among equals

(slightly formal)
the best or most important of a similar group The solo violin was first among equals in the midst of all the stringed instruments. Because she is the chairman of the committee, she is, of course, first among equals.
See also: among, equal, first

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
ManfriedMAHN-freetGerman
Vincenteveen-CHEN-teItalian
Samar-Arabic
KrysiaKRI-shahPolish
Nawra-Arabic
Dada-Western African, Yoruba