front man—
1. a man who publicly represents a person or an organization:
- The former adviser now serves as a front man for a large foundation.
2. (also: straw man) a respectable man who serves as a cover for a questionable enterprise:
- Department of Justice investigators believe that Earl Browder is a mere front-man.
3. the lead performer in a musical group:
- The keyboard player is the front man for this band and he puts on a great, high energy show.
4. a television presenter:
- Dimbleby is the most accomplished front-man in television’s history.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase front runner—a competitor who performs best or is in a leading position:
- Until several days ago, she was a front runner in this week’s Democratic primary.
frontsman—
1. = front man 1:
- The frontsman at the inquiry desk is sympathetic and directs us to come back in an hour to ask the boss.
2. = front man 3:
- Throughout his career, the frontsman, composer, and sax player Blicher has been influenced by the great songwriters.