top dog: meaning & examples

Open in app

Language: English

Meanings:

  • 1.

    USUKinformalcolloquial
    • The dominant person in a group; the individual with primary authority or status.
    • The leader or most influential member in a particular context.

    Examples

    Beta

    • After the promotion, he was clearly the top dog in the office, making all major decisions.

      After the promotion, he was clearly the dominant person in the office, making all major decisions.

    • Don't forget who the top dog is when negotiating the contract; that person has the final say.

      Don't forget who the dominant person is when negotiating the contract; that person has the final say.

    • The new manager quickly established herself as the top dog among the team members.

      The new manager quickly established herself as the dominant person among the team members.

  • 2.

    USUKinformalcolloquial
    • The winner or most successful competitor in a contest or rivalry.
    • A person or entity that holds the superior position relative to rivals.

    Examples

    Beta

    • In the tournament, Lisa was the top dog, winning every match with ease.

      In the tournament, Lisa was the winner, winning every match with ease.

    • The startup became the top dog in the industry within just a few years of operation.

      The startup became the most successful competitor in the industry within just a few years of operation.

    • Being the top dog in the market means you have to constantly innovate to stay ahead.

      Being the winner in the market means you have to constantly innovate to stay ahead.

Examples:

  • EN: We have to have wars now and then just to prove we're top dog.
    ES: Tenemos que tener guerras de vez en cuando solo para demostrar que somos los mejores.
  • EN: I'm always the top dog!
    ES: ¡Soy siempre el numero 1!
  • EN: All you men ever think about is having guts and being top dog and killing each other.
    ES: Los hombres sólo pensáis en mataros los unos a los otros.
  • EN: That means you're top dog now. Nobody else.
    ES: No hay nadie más.
  • EN: The trouble was, before, too many guys wanted to be top dog.
    ES: Antes, lo malo era que todos querían mandar.
  • EN: Got to where every time I turned him loose in the pack, he'd start giving tongue whether he picked up the scent or not, just to prove he was top dog.
    ES: En el punto donde se soltaba la jauría, empezaba a ladrar, hubiera olido algo o no, sólo para demostrar que era un perro de primera.
  • EN: After you're top dog with that outfit if the key man wants to do business, he'll get in touch with you.
    ES: Cuando sea jefe de ese grupo si el hombre clave quiere hacer negocios, tendrá que verlo a usted.
  • EN: Tomorrow you'll be the top dog in Car 22.
    ES: mañana será el perro jefe del coche 22.
  • EN: When we see who turns up top dog that'll be the guy we talk to.
    ES: Veamos quién lleva la batuta. Y tratemos con él.
  • EN: Remember you're top dog.
    ES: Recuerda que tú eres el jefe.
  • EN: - The leadership. The top dog.
    ES: La Gerencía, el Jefe.
  • EN: One phone call and you're top dog, huh?
    ES: Una llamada telefónica y echas las campanas al vuelo, ¿no?
  • EN: Catwoman is top dog around here and let's not forget it, Eenie.
    ES: Gatúbela es la mandamás aquí y no lo olvidemos, Eenie.
  • EN: Or do you have to be top dog because you're such a cheap jack-leg skunk. You take this phony ammunition up against Ghost Wolf and he's gonna laugh himself silly while he cuts you up, down, backwards and sidewards.
    ES: Ahora coja su munición de juguete y enfréntese a Lobo Viejo y se reirá de usted en la cara o le cortará de arriba abajo, por delante y por detrás, y así, todo todo el mundo a este lado del río
  • EN: I couldn't care less who you pick as your top dog.
    ES: A mi me da igual a quién elijan como jefe.
  • EN: We have to have wars now and then just to prove we're top dog.
    ES: Tenemos que tener guerras de vez en cuando solo para demostrar que somos los mejores.
  • EN: I'm always the top dog!
    ES: ¡Soy siempre el numero 1!
  • EN: All you men ever think about is having guts and being top dog and killing each other.
    ES: Los hombres sólo pensáis en mataros los unos a los otros.
  • EN: That means you're top dog now. Nobody else.
    ES: No hay nadie más.

Related Idioms

Validation Count: 0

Sourced from Wiktionary

Source: Wiktionary

top dog: Meaning, Examples & Usage (English) | Idiomator