Noun
first among equals (plural firsts among equals)
(idiomatic) A person or position that is formally of equal rank to others in a group, but nonetheless takes a leading role within that group.
The Orthodox consider the bishop of Rome to have always been merely a first among equals.
What's important now are the characteristics of the brain's right hemisphere: artistry, empathy, inventiveness, big-picture thinking. These skills have become first among equals in a whole range of business fields. Daniel H. Pink
Although Ceaușescu had been nominal head of state since 1967, he had merely been first among equals on the State Council, with his real power coming from his status as party leader. Source: Internet
During the Old Hittite Kingdom period prior to 1400 BC, the king of the Hittites was not viewed by the Hittite citizenry as a "living god", like the Pharaohs of Egypt, but rather as a first among equals. Source: Internet
By the 1830s the Westminster system of government (or cabinet government) had emerged; the Prime Minister had become primus inter pares or the first among equals in the Cabinet and the head of government in the United Kingdom. Source: Internet
In his first panegyric to Constantius, Julian described the ideal ruler as being essentially primus inter pares ("first among equals"), operating under the same laws as his subjects. Source: Internet
In theory, the Holy Roman Emperor was primus inter pares (first among equals) among the other Roman Catholic monarchs; in practice, a Holy Roman Emperor was only as strong as his army and alliances made him. Source: Internet