The Idiom Attic - a collection of hundreds of English idioms, each one explained.
The meaning of "first among equals"
" First among equals "
Meaning:
The most senior person in a group of equal rank.
Example:
The British Prime Ministership is a cabinet post, no different from his colleagues, but the position is always considered to be the first among equals.
Where did it originate?:
Britain, 18th century. Often used to describe the British Prime Minister and his/her cabinet, although the first usage pre-dates that.
