What does “Top dog” mean?
"Top dog" means the person or entity that is the most powerful or influential in a particular situation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's the top dog in the company and makes all the major decisions.
Example
The team with the most wins is considered the top dog in the league.
Example
In the world of fashion, she's the top dog and sets the trends
Is “Top dog” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Top dog” 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 “Top dog” effectively in context?
You can use "Top dog" to refer to the person or entity that is the most powerful or influential in a particular situation. It emphasizes their dominance and superiority. For example, if someone is the leader of a company and makes all the major decisions, you might say, 'He's the "top dog" in the company.'
- 1Work
In the corporate world, the CEO is often considered the top dog and has the final say in important matters.
- 2Sports
The team with the most wins is considered the top dog in the league and is highly respected by other teams.
- 3Fashion
In the world of fashion, she's the top dog and sets the trends that others follow.
Similar phrases to “Top dog”:
Head honcho
The person in charge or the leader
Example
He's the head honcho of the organization and has the final say in important matters.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Top dog” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Top dog" is unknown.
Is “Top dog” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Top dog" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who holds a position of power or influence in a specific context.
What tone does “Top dog” have?
"Top dog" conveys a tone of authority and dominance. It is used to highlight someone's superior position or status.
Can “Top dog” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Top dog" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as work, sports, or fashion. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, colleagues, or even in more formal situations like presentations or meetings.
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's the "top dog" in the company.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's the "top dog"!' to imply someone's superior position.