English Reference
Idiom idiom

top cat


Synonym of top dog.

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


SIMPLE

He acts like the top cat in this office.

CONTEXTUAL

After the promotion, she became the top cat and started making all the big decisions.

COMPLEX

The veteran manager remained the undisputed top cat, commanding respect from every department through years of proven leadership.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bell the cat

    To undertake a dangerous action in the service of a group.

  2. 02

    cat and dog life

    An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.

  3. 03

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  4. 04

    cat in the meal-tub

    Something concealed; a hidden danger.

  5. 05

    cat piss

    Any beverage of low quality.

  6. 06

    cat that ate the canary

    A person who appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing something mischievous, prohibited, or private.

  7. 07

    cat's cradle

    Any complicated structure that appears to be without purpose.

  8. 08

    cat's meow

    A self-satisfied person.

Last updated August 10, 2026