Definition: The term "heir apparent" refers to a person who is first in line to inherit a title, property, or position, and whose right to inherit is guaranteed as long as they outlive the current holder of that title or property. This means that no one else can take this person's place in the line of inheritance, assuming the current holder does not have another child.
In more advanced discussions, "heir apparent" can also refer to someone who is the most likely successor in non-royal contexts, such as in business or other organizations.
While "heir apparent" has a specific meaning in terms of inheritance, "heir" alone can refer to anyone who receives an inheritance, and does not imply that their right to inherit is secure.
While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically for "heir apparent," you might encounter phrases like: - "Heir to the throne": Specifically refers to someone who is next in line for a royal title. - "In line for": Means being in a position to receive something, often used in similar contexts.
In summary, "heir apparent" is a specific legal and royal term that indicates a person guaranteed to inherit something, provided they outlive the current holder.