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king
drag king
A woman who wears the clothing and assumes the demeanor of a male, especially as part of an exaggerated performance piece. The mother of two performs with a drag king troupe on the weekends, much to the bemusement of some of her more conservative friends.
king of (the) beasts
The lion, especially in cultural or artistic depictions. Engraved in striking marble, the king of beasts stands sentinel over this ancient arena. The king of the beasts is the symbol for the zodiac sign Leo.
king of the jungle
The lion, especially in cultural or artistic depictions. (Usually a misnomer, as lions typically inhabit deserts or dry forests, as opposed to jungles.) Engraved in striking marble, the king of the jungle stands sentinel over this ancient arena. The king of the jungle is the symbol for the zodiac sign Leo.
king of the hill
The most powerful, successful, or authoritative person in a group or organization. After years of slowly moving up the ranks, Joe finally became king of the hill in his office. This team will be hard to beat, reigning as king of the hill for three years straight.
a cat may look at a king
Everyone has rights, regardless of status, especially to do things that are of no consequence to others. You can't keep us out of the student council office just because we're underclassman! A cat may look at a king, after all!
king's ransom
A very large sum of money. I've always wanted to vacation in Hawaii, but the plane tickets cost a king's ransom.
the King's English
The standard form of English, as spoken by educated people in England. We're friends now, so quit being so formal and speaking the King's English. As a professor, you really should speak the King's English.
Cash is king.
Prov. It is best to keep one's investment money in cash. (Said when the prices in the securities markets are too high. It is better to build up cash and wait for a break in the market.) Things look a little pricey now. I'd say that cash is king for the moment. I'm holding a little cash for a little bottom fishing, but I wouldn't say that cash is king.
cat can look at a king
Prov. No one is so important that an ordinary person cannot look at him or her; everyone has the right to be curious about important people. Jane: I get so angry at those people who read tabloid magazines. The private lives of television stars are none of their business. Alan: Don't be so hard on them. A cat can look at a king. Fred: You shouldn't stare at me like that. I'm your boss. Jill: A cat can look at a king.
*cocky as the king of spades
boastful; overly proud. (*Also: as ~.) He'd challenge anyone to a fight. He's as cocky as the king of spades. She strutted in, cocky as the king of spades.
fit for a king
and fit for the godsFig. very nice; luxurious. What a delicious meal. It was fit for a king. Our room at the hotel was fit for a king.
In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Prov. A person who is not particularly capable can attain a powerful position if the people around him or her are even less capable. Jill: How on earth did Joe get promoted to be head of his department? He's such a blunderer! Jane: In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
*king's ransom
Fig. a great deal of money. (To pay an amount as large as one might have to pay to get back a king held for ransom. *Typically: cost ~; pay ~; spend~.) I would like to buy a nice watch, but I don't want to pay a king's ransom for it. It's a lovely house. I bet it cost a king's ransom.
Kings have long arms.
and Governments have long arms.Prov. Those who are in power can always catch and punish people who have opposed them, no matter how far away those opponents may go. After his attempt to assassinate the king, the prince sailed to a distant country, although his wife warned him it would be to no avail. "Kings have long arms," she reminded him.
sport of kings
horse racing. The sport of kings has sure impoverished a lot of commoners.
a king's ransom
a large amount of money
A visit to one of those amusement parks can cost a king's ransom. Usage notes: often used with worth or cost, as in the example
a king's ransom
a very large amount of money (not used with the ) She was wearing a diamond necklace which must have been worth a king's ransom.
king of the castle
(British) also king of the hill (American) the most successful or most powerful person in a group of people Jamie Spence was king of the castle yesterday when he beat the defending champion in the third round. Our team is sure to be king of the hill this year.
See turn king's's evidence, live like a kinglive like a king
to live in a very comfortable way with all the luxuries you want He lived like a king for six months, drinking champagne and driving a Porsche, until the money finally ran out.
turn king's/queen's evidence
also turn state's evidence if someone who has been accused of a crime turns king's evidence, they give information in a court of law about other people involved in the crime in order to have their own punishment reduced She was given a lenient sentence in exchange for turning king's evidence.
king's ransom
A huge sum of money, as in That handmade rug must have cost a king's ransom. This metaphoric expression originally referred to the sum required to release a king from captivity. [Late 1400s]
live like a king
Also, live like a prince. Enjoy a lavish style of living, as in He spared no expense, preferring to live like a king as long as he could, or Since they got their inheritance, the Andersons are living like princes. This expression continues to be used despite the much smaller role royalty plays in the present day. [Mid-1500s]
Cash is king
sent. It is best to keep one’s investment money in cash. (Said when the prices in the securities market are too high. It is better to build up cash and wait for a break in the market.) Things look a little pricey now. I’d say that cash is king for the moment.
King Grod
(...grɑd) n. a very repellent male. (California.) You are just King Grod! So gross!
King Kong pills
and King Kong specials n. barbiturates. (see also
gorilla biscuits.)
Watch out for those King Kong pills. She’s a bit numb from “King Kong specials.” King Kong specials
verb