top dog crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "top dog", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "top dog crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BOSS: The person in charge or the leader of a group.
5 Letters
ALPHA: The dominant individual in a group or hierarchy.
CHIEF: The head or leader of an organization, tribe, or group.
6 Letters
LEADER: A person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.
7 Letters
KINGPIN: The most important person in an undertaking or organization.
9 Letters
BIGCHEESE: An important or influential person, often used informally.
More About "top dog crossword clue"
The term "top dog" is a colourful idiom often found in crosswords, referring to the most powerful, dominant, or successful individual in a group or field. It evokes an image of a pack leader, highlighting a hierarchical position. Crossword setters love such phrases because they allow for a range of synonymous answers, from straightforward terms like 'BOSS' or 'LEADER' to more colloquial or evocative words like 'KINGPIN' or 'BIGCHEESE'.
Understanding the nuance of "top dog" is key to solving these clues. Sometimes the clue might hint at a formal position, other times at an informal leader. Always consider the tone and the required number of letters to narrow down the possibilities. This idiom is a classic example of how crosswords test not just vocabulary, but also an understanding of idiomatic expressions and their various interpretations.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always start by counting the boxes in the grid for the clue "top dog". This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your selection.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Fill in any letters you can from perpendicular clues. These intersecting letters are your most reliable guide to finding the correct "top dog" answer.
- Consider Nuance & Tone: Does the puzzle have a playful or formal tone? 'BIGCHEESE' is more casual than 'CHIEF'. The puzzle's overall style can sometimes hint at the right synonym.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crosswords often use synonyms that aren't the first to come to mind. If 'BOSS' doesn't fit, think of less common but accurate alternatives like 'ALPHA' or 'KINGPIN'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'top dog' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'top dog' typically refers to the most important, dominant, or influential person or entity in a particular group, hierarchy, or situation. It's often used metaphorically for a leader or a person at the peak of their profession or power.
Are there common synonyms for 'top dog' often used in crosswords?
Yes, common crossword synonyms for 'top dog' include BOSS, CHIEF, LEADER, ALPHA, KINGPIN, MOGUL, TYCOON, HONCHO, and BIGCHEESE. The specific answer depends on the number of letters and any intersecting letters you already have.
How can I figure out the correct 'top dog' answer if multiple fit the definition?
To pinpoint the correct answer, always check the letter count required by the puzzle grid first. Then, use any intersecting letters you've already filled in from other clues. The context of other clues in the puzzle can also sometimes hint at a more formal or informal synonym for 'top dog'.