top banana

English

Etymology

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Noun

top banana (plural top bananas)

  1. (idiomatic) The boss, the leader.
    Synonyms: big cheese; see also Thesaurus:important person
    Only the top banana can make a decision of that magnitude.
  2. (idiomatic, dated) The principal comedian in a vaudeville or burlesque show.
    Antonym: second banana
    He was hilarious, and remained the top banana on the tour for years.
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