top banana
English edit
Etymology edit
(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Pronunciation edit
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Noun edit
top banana (plural top bananas)
- (idiomatic) The boss, the leader.
- Synonyms: big cheese; see also Thesaurus:important person
- Only the top banana can make a decision of that magnitude.
- (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.