Top dog
Meaning: The leader; the most important or powerful person.
'Top dog' is the leader, boss, or dominant person—the one with the most power or success. From the dominant position in a pack. Opposite is 'underdog.'
Examples
- He's the top dog around here. 他是这里的老大Él es el que manda aquí彼がここのボスだ그가 여기서 제일 높은 사람이야.
- Who's the top dog in this company? 这家公司谁说了算？¿Quién es el jefe en esta empresa?この会社で一番偉いのは誰？이 회사에서 제일 높은 사람이 누구야?
- She became top dog in the industry. 她成了行业里的领军人物Se convirtió en la líder del sector彼女は業界のトップになった그녀는 업계의 최고가 되었다.
Pronunciation
/tɒp dɒɡ/
Usage Guide
Context: leadership, power, hierarchy
Tone: respectful or descriptive
✓ Do Say
- Top dog老大El que mandaボス우두머리
- The top dog最厉害的人El jefazoトップの人物최고 실력자
Common Mistakes
- Opposite of 'underdog'
Origin & History
From dog pack hierarchy where the dominant dog is on top during fights. Extended to humans to describe the leader or most powerful person in any group.
Etymology: From dog pack dominance behaviour
First recorded: 19th century
Cultural Context
Era: 19th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Business; Sports
Regional notes: English-language universal.
Variations
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