cock of the walk

American  

noun

1. the leader in a group, especially one with a conceited, domineering manner.

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cock of the walk British  

noun

1. informal a person who asserts himself in a strutting pompous way

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cock of the walk Idioms  

1. A conceited, bossy person, as in Since his last promotion he's been acting like the cock of the walk—he's unbearable. This expression alludes to the rooster's proud strut about the barnyard, asserting his rule over hens and chicks. [Mid-1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of cock of the walk

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

He was the best version of his struttin’-and-puttin’ self, the absolute cock of the walk.

From Washington Post • Apr. 9, 2023

The Detroit Lions—once the cock of the walk in muscle car Motor City—who haven’t won a ring since the year my own father was born.

From Fox News • Jun. 30, 2021

He’s been the cock of the walk ever since Ramsey found him on a roadside last summer when he was still a young chick.

From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2021

Onstage, he was a preening cock of the walk with a majestic voice.

From New York Times • Sep. 10, 2018

I want him to come with us, for I know that "cock of the walk" is bullying him, and if he'll just join us we shall be three to the other lot.

From That Scholarship Boy by Leslie, Emma