kingpin
/'kiɳpin/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The front bowling pin in the triangular arrangement of ten pins: In the sport of bowling, the kingpin is the central pin at the front of the triangle, which is the primary target.
- A bolt that provides a steering joint in a motor vehicle: A mechanical part, also called a steering kingpin or king bolt, which is the pivot point for the steering mechanism in some vehicles.
- The most important person in a group or undertaking: A metaphorical use referring to the central, indispensable, or leading figure in an organization or activity.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Bowling):
- A good strike requires hitting the kingpin squarely.
- The bowler aimed directly for the kingpin.
- Noun (Mechanical):
- The mechanic replaced the worn kingpin on the old truck's front axle.
- A faulty kingpin can cause serious steering problems.
- Noun (Person):
- She is the kingpin of the entire research department.
- The police arrested the alleged kingpin of the smuggling ring.
Advanced Usage
- "To be the kingpin": To hold the central and most important position.
- In that industry, he is undisputedly the kingpin.
- Conceptual use: Can be applied to abstract concepts representing a central, crucial element.
- Trust is the kingpin of any successful partnership.
Variants and Related Words
- King bolt (n): An alternative term for the mechanical steering pivot.
- Linchpin (n): A person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization. (Note: While similar, "linchpin" often emphasizes something that holds elements together, whereas "kingpin" emphasizes central importance or leadership).
Synonyms
- Leader: A person who leads or commands a group.
- Chief: The head or leader of an organization.
- Central figure: The most important or prominent person in a situation.
- Mainstay: A person or thing on which something else is based or depends.
- Pivot: The central point, pin, or shaft on which a mechanism turns.
Related Phrases
- Kingpin of an industry: The dominant or most influential person in a specific business sector.
- He became the kingpin of the tech industry through innovation.
Related Idioms
- The kingpin falls: When the most important person in an organization is removed or fails.
- With the arrest of its leader, the kingpin fell, and the organization collapsed.
Noun
- the front bowling pin in the triangular arrangement of ten pins
- bolt that provides a steering joint in a motor vehicle
- the most important person in a group or undertaking