first-string
Not the bench
First-string describes the top-tier players or performers in a group, those who start games or take primary roles rather than serving as substitutes or backups.
The term comes from sports, where the first string of players are the starters, as opposed to the second string who fill in when needed.
It extends to any context where you want to emphasize someone's premier status: We're sending our first-string negotiators to close this deal.
Primary school squad
- lineupOrdered list of participants
- startersThings that initiate
- starting lineupInitial player selection
- regularsHabitual visitors
key players · mainstay · anchor · backbone · core · captain · squad · roster
Of highest quality
- premierFirst in importance
- bestHighest in quality
- aceSingle-pip card
- all-starExceptionally talented performer
star · standout · MVP · cream of the crop · heavy hitters · go-to · franchise player · marquee
varsity
Primary school squad
- lineupOrdered list of participants
- startersThings that initiate
- starting lineupInitial player selection
regulars · key players · mainstay · anchor · backbone · core · captain · squad · roster · team
top-tier
Of highest quality
all-star · star · standout · MVP · cream of the crop · heavy hitters · go-to · franchise player · marquee · blue-chip
tryout
Competitive evaluation for selection
earned · merit · challenger · contender · pecking order · hierarchy · ranking · seeding · qualifier · competitive
first-stringsecond-string
Substitute team members
backup · reserve · bench · substitute · third-string
first-stringsecond-rate
Below acceptable standards
inferior · minor league · bush league · subpar · second-tier
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