cock of the walk

noun phrase

: one that dominates a group or situation especially overbearingly
He was strutting around like the cock of the walk after he got a promotion.

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cock of the walk was in 1781

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Cite this Entry

“Cock of the walk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cock%20of%20the%20walk. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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