cock-sparrow

cock-sparrow

A cock-sparrow chirps loudly from a garden fence.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A male sparrow: "cock-sparrow" refers specifically to a male bird of the sparrow species, distinguished from a female sparrow.
    • A small but pugnacious person: Figuratively, "cock-sparrow" denotes a person of small stature who is notably argumentative, combative, or eager to fight.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (literal):

    • The cock-sparrow perched on the fence, its plumage brighter than the female's. (A male sparrow showing typical features.)
    • We observed a cock-sparrow defending its nest from a larger bird. (A male sparrow acting aggressively.)

  • Noun (figurative):

    • Despite his size, he was a real cock-sparrow, always ready to pick a fight. (A small but quarrelsome person.)
    • The little boy acted like a cock-sparrow, challenging older kids to wrestle. (A small person who enjoys conflict.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be a cock-sparrow": to be a person who is physically small but behaves in a bold, confrontational manner.

    • In the office, he's known as a cock-sparrow, never backing down from an argument. (He is small but assertive and combative.)

  • "like a cock-sparrow": used to describe someone's aggressive demeanor despite their size.

    • She strutted into the meeting like a cock-sparrow, demanding attention. (She acted with boldness and defiance.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Sparrow (n): a small, common bird, often brown or grey, found in many parts of the world.

    • The sparrow hopped along the sidewalk looking for crumbs. (A small bird.)

  • Cock (n): a prefix used to indicate a male bird (e.g., cock-robin, cock-pheasant).

    • The cock-pheasant has brightly colored feathers. (The male pheasant.)
Synonyms
  • Male sparrow: the literal synonym for the bird.
  • Bantam: a small person who is aggressive or quarrelsome (similar figurative meaning).
  • Fighting cock: a person who is eager to fight, especially when small in stature.
Related Idioms

  • A cock of the walk: a person who dominates a group or situation, often with arrogance.

    • He acted like a cock of the walk after winning the competition. (He behaved as the dominant figure.)

  • Cock-a-hoop: exultant or boastful, especially after a victory.

    • The team was cock-a-hoop after their surprise win. (They were very pleased and boastful.)