play first fiddle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Of course he felt sore at his failures, when he was used to play first fiddle.

From Dr. Jolliffe's Boys by Feller, Frank

Then he added that the Baumhagens were the most distinguished and the wealthiest of the patricians in the city--evidently those who play first fiddle there.

From Gertrude's Marriage by Heimburg, W.

Bill Brookes wants to play first fiddle here; but he can’t and won’t.

From First in the Field A Story of New South Wales by Rahey, L.

And in consequence neither felt at home elsewhere than in their native place, where they were used to play first fiddle generally.

From Dry Fish and Wet Tales from a Norwegian Seaport by Nilsen, Anthon Bernhard Elias

He considered himself the cleverest, most eloquent and most cultured of them all; moreover in a little club like this, which he had organized, he expected to play first fiddle.

From Sanine by Pinkerton, Percy