top bananas
Chiefs in slang
Top bananas are the leading figures or most important people in a group or organization.
The singular top banana originally referred to the headlining comedian in burlesque or vaudeville—the star who got the best material and the final bow.
The term now applies to anyone in charge: She's the top banana around here.
- bigwigInfluential, important person
- ringleaderChief organizer of wrongdoing
- kingpinCriminal organization's leader
- majordomoChief steward of household
- bossWorkplace superior
comedian · headliner · standout · star · leading light · director · performer · entertainer · big cheese · chief · jester · clown · elite · captain · alpha · number one · front runner · ace
top bananasnobodies
Unimportant, unknown persons
underlings · small fry · subordinates · minions · lackeys
top bananasunderstudies
Substitute performers for principals
extras · second bananas · bit players · spear carriers · walk-ons
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