Learn English – the opposite of “in name only”

antonymsphrases

I want to describe a player who is not officially the captain of a team but shoulders as much responsibility. I have read the phrase in name only being used when a person holds a title, but doesn't perform or is unable to perform the duties typically associated with it. I would guess that in my case I am looking for a phrase which is opposite of in name only. The person is performing the duties but doesn't officially hold the title.

I searched for the opposite on Google but couldn't find one. Ended up with a similar result from a couple of dictionary searches as well.

Best Answer

The person is performing the duties but doesn't officially hold the title.

Jerry is the CEO in name only.

Csarina is effectively the CEO:

1.1 Actually but not officially or explicitly:

ODO