English Reference
Idiom idiom

king of beasts


The lion.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The lion is known as the king of beasts.

CONTEXTUAL

During our safari, the guide pointed out the lion, often called the king of beasts, resting in the tall grass.

COMPLEX

In many ancient fables, the lion is portrayed as the noble king of beasts, ruling over the wild with strength and authority.


From Middle English *king of bestes*, which served as a direct translation of the Latin *rex animalium*. The term appeared in early English manuscripts to denote the lion, an identification that remained consistent through the mediaeval period.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beast with two backs

    Two people united in sexual intercourse in the missionary position.

  2. 02

    drama king

    An overly or exaggeratedly dramatic person, especially a man or a boy.

  3. 03

    fit for a king

    Lavish; luxurious.

  4. 04

    king of all one surveys

    Possessing governing authority over a range of territory; having decisive control or oversight over all major matters within one's ambit of influence; having a satisfying position of respected leadership or comfortable prestige.

  5. 05

    king of birds

    The eagle.

  6. 06

    king of the castle

    A person who assumes a position of greater importance, authority, or prominence than others.

  7. 07

    king of the hill

    A person who is meanwhile in leading position in an ongoing competition.

  8. 08

    King of the Jungle

    The lion; Panthera leo.

Last updated August 10, 2026