cock of the walk

noun

1. the leader in a group, especially one with a conceited, domineering manner.

cock of the walk

noun

1. informal.
   a person who asserts himself in a strutting pompous way

Word History and Origins

Origin of cock of the walk¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Idioms and Phrases

A conceited, bossy person, as in Since his last promotion he's been acting like the cock of the walk—he's unbearable . This expression alludes to the rooster's proud strut about the barnyard, asserting his rule over hens and chicks. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

So was his successful set-to in the brewery yard with Lefty Dinan, the Tenth street cock-of-the walk.

From Project Gutenberg

The cock-of-the-walk led the band and he played on his own bill, which had holes in it, like a flute.

From Project Gutenberg

But in the window there was a peerless baseball with a rubber core, known as a cock-of-the-walk.

From Project Gutenberg

But the big miner only looked him over like a cock-of-the-walk regarding a game bantam.

From Project Gutenberg

You neednt think that youre the cock-of-the-walk because you took the barkers away from him.

From Project Gutenberg