play first chair



play first chair

 
1. to be the leader of a section of instruments in an orchestra or a band. (More literal than the following sense.) Sally learned to play the violin so well that she now plays first chair in the orchestra. I'm going to practice my flute so I can play first chair.
2. Fig. to act as a leader. I need to get this job done. Who plays first chair around here? You're not the boss! You don't play first chair.
See also: chair, first, play

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Verusha-Russian
Mihaelamee-hah-YE-lah (Romanian), mee-HAH-el-ah (Croatian)Romanian, Slovene, Croatian, Macedonian
Dawkins['dɔ:kinz]
Isa (1)-Arabic
Whetu-Maori
Dagney-Various