What does “King of the Hill” mean?

"King of the Hill" means a game where players try to stay on top of a hill while others try to knock them off.

What context can I use the in?

Example

We played a intense game of King of the Hill at the park.

Example

He managed to stay on top of the hill and became the King of the Hill.

Example

The kids had a blast playing King of the Hill during recess

Is “King of the Hill” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“King of the Hill” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “King of the Hill” effectively in context?

You can use "King of the Hill" to describe a game or situation where one person or team tries to maintain a dominant position while others attempt to overthrow them. For example, if you're talking about a competitive sports match, you might say, 'The team fought hard to defend their lead and remain "King of the Hill".'

1Playground Games
During recess, the kids played a lively game of King of the Hill, trying to push each other off the top of the hill.
2Competition
In the final round of the tournament, two skilled players battled it out to become the King of the Hill in their respective category.
3Power Struggles
In the corporate world, executives often engage in fierce competition to establish themselves as the King of the Hill and gain influence within the company.

Similar phrases to “King of the Hill”:

Top dog

The most powerful or influential person in a group or organization

Example

After years of hard work, he finally became the top dog in his industry.

Rule the roost

To be in charge or have control over a particular situation or group

Example

She's the boss around here and she definitely rules the roost.

Head honcho

The person in charge or with the highest authority

Example

The head honcho of the company made an important announcement today.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “King of the Hill” come from?

The origin of the phrase "King of the Hill" is unknown.

Is “King of the Hill” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "King of the Hill" is a common expression used in everyday conversation, especially when referring to competitive games or power dynamics. It is often used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is trying to maintain a dominant position.

What tone does “King of the Hill” have?

"King of the Hill" conveys a tone of competition and power struggle. It is often used in a playful or lighthearted manner when discussing games, but it can also be used more seriously when describing real-life power dynamics.

Can “King of the Hill” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "King of the Hill" is informal and commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal or professional settings, where a more formal expression like 'dominant position' or 'top contender' would be more appropriate.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He fought hard and became the "King of the Hill".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Who's the "King of the Hill"?' to inquire about the current leader in a game or competition.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

champion
top contender
dominant player
leader of the pack
top performer