first among equals


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first among equals

More important or renowned than one's peers. Riley is the best choice for that difficult project—she's first among equals. As a lawyer, Janice is first among equals, which is why I asked her to represent me in court. I'm not being conceited—being named valedictorian means I'm literally first among equals.
See also: among, equal, first
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

first among equals

the person or thing having the highest status in a group.
This expression is a translation of the Latin phrase primus inter pares , which is also used in English.
See also: among, equal, first
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

ˌfirst among ˈequals

the person or thing with the highest status in a group: Our history classes were usually open discussion-groups between us and our teacher, with the teacher as first among equals.
See also: among, equal, first
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
References in periodicals archive ?
"First Among Equals" is a thoroughly researched and finely crafted corrective that establishes Lincoln's generally favorable image with his contemporaries during his presidency.
The Patriarch, who ranks "first among equals" in the Orthodox Church, participated in the Mass celebrated in St.
Germany had pushed for him to be named 'first among equals' of EU economic commissioners, but Barroso refused.
While senior citizens certainly are the first among equals when it comes to the trade class' pharmacy operations, they are sometimes shortchanged in the rest of the store.
First among equals in this wonderful ensemble was the unbeatable, knock-'em-dead Hollie E.
They considered him a first among equals because of who and what he was, not only because of the country he represented.
Starr asserting that, "ultimately, in our system of government, the Supreme Court is first among equals." Indeed, in his new book, First Among Equals: The Supreme Court in American Life, Start, the distinguished former independent counsel, solicitor general of the United States, and federal appeals court judge, argues that the modern Supreme Court is "the branch of government with the authoritative role in vital issues that deeply affect American life and politics."
Canon law stipulates that the dean of the College of Cardinals reside at the Vatican; he is considered first among equals within the college and performs mainly ceremonial tasks.
Start now presents his assessment of the Rehnquist Court in First Among Equals. It needs to be said at the outset that this book contains absolutely no information about the Whitewater probe or about Starr's role in the impeachment battle.
In a further delineation of this work, First Among Equals (McKenna & Maister, 2002), The authors explain that the characteristics of professionals, which make them very successful as professionals, also make them difficult to work with in traditional ways.
Several councilors would be responsible for such a result, but Kelly's record in attempting to muddy last year's parkway vote with a second measure suggests he would be the first among equals.
First Among Equals: How to Manage a Group of Professionals
Cosimo was no more the first among equals in his artistic patronage than he was in ci vic affairs: he was the richest man in Florence, whose unique position and tightening controls over communal elections led to considerable grumbling, covert street action, and ultimately to two failed coups against him and his son.
Even the team leader is merely "first among equals."
That king was the young boy Arthur, who grew to rule Camelot, the first among equals in the time when spirits, dragons and wizards walked in harmony with mankind.
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