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.
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 W. Heimburg
Some there are who would wish me to urge the Admiral to play first fiddle in the coming attack.
From Gallipoli Diary, Volume 2 by Sir Ian Hamilton
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 L. Rahey
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 Anthon Bernhard Elias Nilsen
Very good, but I won’t ask to play first fiddle.
From The Battle and the Breeze by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
