cock of the walk


noun

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

Origin of cock of the walk

First recorded in 1850–55

Example sentences from the Web for cock of the walk

British Dictionary definitions for cock of the walk

cock of the walk

noun

informal a person who asserts himself in a strutting pompous way

Idioms and Phrases with cock of the walk

cock of the walk

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]