the king is dead, long live the king
Said when someone has stepped down or something is succeeded by someone or something new that now has the most control, is the most popular, etc.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The old manager left, so the king is dead, long live the king.”
“After the popular CEO resigned, the board appointed a new leader, effectively saying the king is dead, long live the king.”
“As the long-standing political regime finally collapsed, the citizens gathered in the streets to declare that the king is dead, long live the king.”
- 01
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
a week is a long time in politics
In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.
- 03
as the day is long
Unceasingly; very; thoroughly; to a very high degree.
- 04
beat a dead horse
To persist or continue far beyond any purpose, interest or reason.
- 05
brown bread
[Cockney slang]dead
- 06
come a long way
To make significant progress.
- 07
come back from the dead
To experience a resurgence after one's productive years are assumed to have ended.
- 08
dead 'n' buried
Contraction of dead and buried.
Last updated August 10, 2026