top dog

USAGE SUMMARY

"top dog" is a phrase used in both written and spoken English.
It is used to refer to someone or something that is the most successful, important, or influential in a particular group or situation. For example: "After working hard for years, he has become the top dog in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's the top dog.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm top dog".

The New Yorker

He was top dog.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You'll be top dog.

The New York Times - Magazine

People enjoy taking down the top dog".

The New York Times

That, he said, makes it top dog.

The New York Times

They all want to be top dog".

The New York Times

No doubt who's top dog now.

The Guardian - Books

Yesterday's underdog is today's top dog.

The New York Times

Owning a top dog isn't cheap.

The New York Times

But wait until you're top dog).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "top dog", as it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying ruthless competition or arrogance.

Common error

Avoid using "top dog" in formal writing or professional settings where a more serious or respectful tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "leader", "chief", or "head" in these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top dog" functions primarily as a noun, often used attributively to describe a person, company, or entity that holds a dominant position. Ludwig highlights its usage in various contexts, such as business and sports, to indicate leadership or superiority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "top dog" is a noun phrase signifying the leader or most successful entity in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings. For formal writing, alternatives like "leader" or "chief" are more appropriate. Be mindful of the subtle negative connotations, and use it judiciously. Understanding these nuances will help you wield "top dog" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leader of the pack

Emphasizes a leadership role within a competitive group.

head honcho

An informal term for the person in charge.

chief

A more formal term for the head of an organization or group.

big cheese

An informal expression referring to an important or powerful person.

the favorite

Refers to someone expected to win or succeed.

kingpin

Implies a central or controlling figure, often in a negative context.

the best

Simply indicates superior quality or performance.

frontrunner

Used to describe someone leading in a race or competition.

reigning champion

Someone who currently holds a title or position of dominance.

person in charge

A neutral term for someone who has control or authority.

FAQs

How can I use "top dog" in a sentence?

You can use "top dog" to describe the leader or most successful entity in a particular field. For example, "In the tech industry, that company is the "top dog".".

What are some alternatives to "top dog"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "leader of the pack", "head honcho", or "chief".

Is it appropriate to use "top dog" in formal writing?

While "top dog" is a common idiom, it's generally more suitable for informal or casual contexts. In formal writing, consider using more professional terms like "leader" or "chief executive".

What does it mean when someone is referred to as the "top dog"?

Referring to someone as the ""top dog"" means they are the most successful, powerful, or influential person or entity in a specific domain or group.