ENGLISH
REFERENCE

King of the Jungle

idiom
Meaning

The lion; Panthera leo.


Origin

disputed origin

Referring to the lion being one of the top predators in India (alongside the tiger) and the African continent, which were depicted in Western pop culture as jungles.

Examples
SIMPLE

The lion is known as the king of the jungle.

CONTEXTUAL

Visitors at the zoo watched the large male lion, often called the king of the jungle, as he rested in the shade.

COMPLEX

In many cultural myths and fables, the lion is depicted as the noble king of the jungle, ruling over all other creatures with strength and authority.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    asphalt jungle

    A city or urban area, where the landscape is covered by pavement and the environment is alienating and unsafe.

  2. 02

    concrete jungle

    An urban or other populated area containing a high density of buildings constructed of concrete or similar materials, especially one which lacks greenery and which seems unattractive, harsh, or unsafe.

  3. 03

    drama king

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

  4. 04

    fit for a king

    Lavish; luxurious.

  5. 05

    jungle telegraph

    A system used by primitive cultures in remote tropical regions for communication over long distances, such as drum sounds or a relay of runners.

  6. 06

    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.

  7. 07

    king of beasts

    The lion.

  8. 08

    king of birds

    The eagle.

© 2026 English Reference