in the front row

English

Pronunciation

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Prepositional phrase

in the front row

1. (idiomatic) Able to witness everything.
   • 1987, David Deskins, Looking back: amateur adventures with Halley's comet, 1985-1986:

     For my entire life the comet hurtled sunward, and then for a fleeting moment I positioned myself in the front row to enjoy its passage as it returned into distant space. For me the 1985-86 Halley apparition will be fondly remembered long after the Halley bars are eaten and the T-shirt fades.

   • 1994, Dana Stabenow, A Cold-Blooded Business, →ISBN, page 83:

     It's just that whenever I screw up, you're always in the front row.

   • 2009, Karen Kingsbury, This Side of Heaven: A Novel, →ISBN:

     I'm proud of your talent and your compassion for people and your place in our family. However your dreams unfold, I'll be in the front row to watch it happen.

   • 2015, Patrick Jones, Guarding Secrets, →ISBN, page 24:

     Few passengers cried on the way to the prison. almost all cried on the way home. Camila and aunt Maria sat in silence at first, letting their tears stream unchecked. Then Camila asked, “is anyone from our family going to be there?” “i doubt it.” “i'm surprised. i thought Grandma Vickie would be in the front row.”

2. (idiomatic) Prominent, demanding attention.
   • 2008, A Story of Empowerment, →ISBN, page 76:

     I wrote the HOW and attracted people who were reaching out for help and prepared to help; genuine and loving people who expanded my network, positioned themselves in the front row of my life, new and divine relationships that pushed me to the edge of my comfort zone.

   • 2011, Pietro Giacomo Menolfi, My African Mission, →ISBN, page 299:

     He himself had worked for organisations not always up to the task they had set, but always in the front row to declare their skills and success.

   • 2012, James Alburger, The Art of Voice Acting, →ISBN:

     The director in the front row of your mind is the result of critical thinking. He or she is the part of you that keeps you on track, helps you stay in the moment, and gives you focus and guidance with your performance.

3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in,‎ front row.