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.
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
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 Hamilton, Ian, Sir
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.
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
