king (redirected from King, William Lyon Mackenzie)

king of the castle (British, American)

the most successful or most powerful person in a group of people. Jamie Spence was king of the castle yesterday when he beat the defending champion in the third round. Our team is sure to be king of the hill this year.

See also: castle

a king's ransom

a very large amount of money. She was wearing a diamond necklace which must have been worth a king's ransom. (not used with the)

See also: ransom

live like a king

to live in a very comfortable way with all the luxuries you want. He lived like a king for six months, drinking champagne and driving a Porsche, until the money finally ran out.

See also: like, live

turn king's/queen's evidence

if someone who has been accused of a crime turns king's evidence, they give information in a court of law about other people involved in the crime in order to have their own punishment reduced. She was given a lenient sentence in exchange for turning king's evidence.

See also: evidence, turn

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a king's ransom

a large amount of money. A visit to one of those amusement parks can cost a king's ransom.

Usage notes: often used with worth or cost, as in the example

See also: ransom