ENGLISH
REFERENCE

Master of the Universe

idiom
Meaning

A powerful person.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

The "highly successful business person" sense is derived from Mattel's Masters of the Universe toy line and media franchise, which was launched in 1982. It was first used as such in the 1987 novel The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe (see quotations).

Examples
SIMPLE

He acts like he is the master of the universe.

CONTEXTUAL

The CEO walked into the room like the master of the universe, expecting everyone to follow his orders immediately.

COMPLEX

The young trader believed he was the master of the universe, but the sudden market crash quickly humbled his arrogance.

Anchors to
Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    jack of all trades, master of none

    A person who has a competent grasp of many skills but who is not outstanding in any one.

  2. 02

    Master John Goodfellow

    The penis.

  3. 03

    master plan

    A comprehensive document that sets out an overall strategy; the strategy itself.

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