main team

[meɪn tim]
nounpl: main teams
time principal
1. The primary or starting squad of players representing a club or organization in competitive play, as opposed to reserve or substitute players
He finally made it to the main team after years in the youth academy.
Ele finalmente chegou à time principal após anos na academia de jovens.
2. The first-choice lineup or roster that typically plays in official matches
The main team will face their rivals this weekend.
A time principal enfrentará seus rivais neste fim de semana.
3. In corporate or organizational contexts, the core group responsible for primary operations or projects
She was promoted from the support staff to join the main team.
Ela foi promovida da equipe de apoio para integrar a time principal.
This term is widely used in Brazilian football culture where the distinction between the main professional squad and youth/reserve teams is significant. In sports contexts across both Brazil and the USA, 'main team' or 'first team' is essential terminology, with high prestige attached to being selected for main team play. The term reflects the hierarchical structure of professional sports organizations.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
first teamstarting lineupprimary squadsenior teamprincipal team
Antonyms / Antônimos
reserve teambackup squadyouth teamsecond teamsubstitute bench

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
time principal
most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
time titular
alternative using 'titular' meaning starting or main
São Paulo
time principal / elenco principal
may also use 'elenco principal' meaning main roster
Portugal
equipa principal
Portuguese uses 'equipa' instead of 'time'

Related Words

squadrosterlineupbenchsubstitutesacademy

Related Idioms & Phrases

make the main team
break into the main team
play for the main team
main team material
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