die erste Geige spielen
to call the tune; to play first fiddle
Origin
From musical life: in the ensemble or string quartet the first violin leads the melody and everyone else follows it. Since the 17th c. used figuratively for leading roles.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
Grammar that uses this word
- Temporal clause with 'nachdem' (after)Temporalsatz mit 'nachdem'
- Connector 'wohingegen' (whereas)Konnektor 'wohingegen'
- Adversative connector 'hingegen' (on the other hand)Adversativkonnektor 'hingegen'
- wobei (whereby, although, in which)wobei (Konjunktion)
- Apposition and parenthetical insertionApposition und Einschub
- Two-way prepositions contrast: Wo? vs. Wohin? (where vs. where to)Wechselpräpositionen Kontrast: Wo? vs. Wohin?
Examples
In diesem will er die Geige .
In this team he naturally wants to call the tune.