# the king is dead, long live the king

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-king-is-dead-long-live-the-king
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.