the cock of the walk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the cock of the walk" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to someone who has achieved a position of superiority or dominance over others. For example, "John was the cock of the walk in his office, always making sure his ideas were at the forefront of every meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He was the cock of the walk, and hot news.

The New York Times

And if the P-5 rule the roost, America is the cock of the walk.

The New Yorker

He can do chicken but not chicks, and his real specialty is the cock of the walk.

The New Yorker

Helen, a sturdy Rhode Island Red, is now my alpha hen; Frowny, a fat white fluff ball with a glowering expression, is, literally, the cock of the walk.

The New Yorker

Morgan, whose Twitter profile says "One day you're the cock of the walk, the next a feather duster", had previously said he would "be taken out of CNN kicking and screaming".

Independent

SONS OF THE DESERT Burly Oliver Hardy may pretend he's the cock of the walk, but he's just as henpecked as Stan Laurel in this inspired runaway-husbands farce from 1933.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Mr. Cannavale, an electric presence in the "The ____________ With the Hat" last year, should be a natural for Roma, the cock-of-the-walk sales star.

The New York Times

The cock-of-the-walk score for "The Bulls' Night Out," performed by the Swing Daddies, gives the film a focus and energy that its filmmaking lacks.

The New York Times

In six weeks, the cock-of-the-walk president of Russia and the lame-duck president of the U.S. will hold what Churchill called "a parley at the summit" in Moscow.

The New York Times

He had that cock-of-the-walk way about him.

The New York Times

While retaining the Theban scenario, he uses a down-home idiom, with phrases like "cock-of-the-walk" and "the likes of us".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While the phrase can be applied to both genders, be mindful of potential gender bias, as it traditionally evokes a masculine image of dominance.

Common error

Don't use "the cock of the walk" simply to indicate someone is in charge. The phrase carries connotations of boastfulness and superiority, so ensure it aligns with the intended tone and the subject's character.

Linguistic Context

Function: "The cock of the walk" functions as an idiom, acting as a noun phrase that describes a person who behaves as if they are superior or dominant. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Reference

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the cock of the walk" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe someone who acts with excessive pride and a sense of superiority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, the term appears most often in News & Media. While conveying dominance, it also implies arrogance, making it important to use judiciously. Alternatives like "top dog" or "king of the hill" offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations. Be mindful of its informal register and potential negative implications when incorporating it into your writing or speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top dog

Refers to someone in a leading or dominant position; less idiomatic than "the cock of the walk".

king of the hill

Suggests someone who has reached the highest position after a struggle or competition; similar in connotation but more competitive.

top of the heap

Indicates someone who has reached the highest level of success or status; slightly more focused on achievement.

alpha male

Implies dominance and leadership, often in a social or hierarchical context; slightly more focused on masculine dominance.

ruling the roost

Indicates someone who is in control and making the decisions; more focused on control than inherent superiority.

chief

A simpler, less colorful way of saying someone is in charge.

head honcho

Suggests the person in charge, often in a business or organizational context; more informal.

big cheese

Indicates someone important or influential, usually in a business or organizational setting; quite informal.

in the driver's seat

Emphasizes control and direction, rather than inherent superiority.

calling the shots

Focuses on the act of making decisions and giving orders, rather than overall dominance.

FAQs

How can I use "the cock of the walk" in a sentence?

Use "the cock of the walk" to describe someone acting superior or dominant, for example, "After winning the championship, he was "acting like the cock of the walk"."

What does "the cock of the walk" imply about someone's behavior?

It suggests the person is not only dominant but also arrogant, boastful, or swaggering in their demeanor. It's not simply about being in charge, but about displaying a sense of superiority.

Is "the cock of the walk" considered a formal or informal expression?

It is generally considered an informal expression and is best suited for casual conversation or less formal writing. More formal contexts might call for alternatives like "leader" or "dominant figure".

Are there any potential negative connotations to using "the cock of the walk"?

Yes, the phrase can imply disapproval of the person's arrogance or boastfulness. Using it might suggest you find their behavior objectionable, making it important to consider your audience and the intended message.