prima

be a prima donna

Prima donna means "first lady" in Italian.

1. To be the lead female singer in an opera company. With her voice, I'm sure that Shirley will be the opera company's prima donna. I've always wanted to be a prima donna, ever since I started singing as a little girl. I know I don't have the best voice, but that's OK—I'm fine with being in the chorus. I don't need to be the prima donna.

2. To be very demanding and temperamental. Kathleen is such a prima donna—there's just no pleasing her. Now that you're a star, don't be a prima donna, running all the assistants on set ragged. I know I'm the boss now, but we're still all on the same team—I'm not going to be a prima donna all of a sudden.

See also: Donna, prima

prima donna

From Italian, literally "first lady."

1. The lead female singer in an opera company. With her voice, I'm sure that Shirley will be named the opera company's prima donna.

2. One who is very demanding and temperamental. Kathleen is such a prima donna—there's just no pleasing her.

See also: Donna, prima

prima facie evidence

In law, evidence that is strong enough to establish a fact unless successfully rebutted. From Latin, literally "first face." The police responded to several violent domestic disputes between the couple in the weeks leading up to her murder. Does that constitute prime facie evidence for a murder charge against her husband?

See also: evidence, prima

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

(a) ˌprima ˈdonna

(from Italian, disapproving) a person who thinks they are very important because they are good at something, and who behaves badly when they do not get what they want: Stop behaving like a prima donna — you’re not the only person around here. ♢ In her new film, Victoria plays a prima donna television presenter.

The prima donna is the main woman singer in an opera performance or an opera company. The phrase means ‘first lady’.

See also: Donna, prima

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017