first fiddle
The term "first fiddle" originates from the role of the lead violinist in an orchestra and is also used idiomatically to describe a leading position in any context.
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Definition
B2Music
(technical)The principal violinist in an orchestra who often leads the string section.
Example
- She was thrilled to be chosen as the first fiddle in the city's symphony orchestra.
B2General
(idiomatic)The most important or leading position in a group or organization.
Example
- In the company, she always plays first fiddle during major projects.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "first fiddle":
first violinsecond fiddlefiddle awayfirst stringfiddle beetlefiddle aroundpay the fiddlerdouble firstfiddle withfirst bestcome first