Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

first among equals

UK

Definition

a member of a group who is officially on the same level as the other members but who in fact has slightly more responsibility or power: The prime minister is first among equals in the cabinet.Important people and describing important peopleFamous peopleWealthy people
(Definition of first among equals from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)