king cobra
C1Formal (zoology), neutral in general contexts, informal in metaphorical use.
Definition
Meaning
A very large, venomous snake of the cobra family, primarily found in forests of Southeast Asia.
A symbol of danger, power, or stealth; metaphorically, a formidable and dominant threat in a particular field or context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers to a specific species (Ophiophagus hannah). While a cobra, it is not a true cobra of the genus *Naja*, but the sole member of its own genus. Metaphorical usage draws on its iconic status as the 'king' of snakes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences; 'king cobra' is the standard term in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term conveys danger, size, and lethality. Connotations are identical.
Frequency
Frequency of use is comparable, primarily appearing in nature-related media, documentaries, and metaphorical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The king cobra + VERB (e.g., reared up, slithered away).We saw a king cobra + PREP PHRASE (e.g., in the forest, near the river).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] He's the king cobra of the finance world, silently dominating the competition.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical for a ruthless, dominant competitor or leader.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and ecology texts describing reptile species and their conservation status.
Everyday
Used in conversation about wildlife, dangerous animals, or nature documentaries.
Technical
Specific zoological term for a species of elapid snake, the world's longest venomous snake.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The mongoose was adept at king-cobring its way through the tall grass, evading the larger predator. (rare, creative)
American English
- In the startup world, he king-cobraed his way to the top. (rare, metaphorical)
adverb
British English
- The negotiator moved king-cobra slowly, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
American English
- She watched him king-cobra quietly from the corner of the room.
adjective
British English
- The documentary had a king-cobra-like intensity, holding our attention completely.
American English
- He gave her a king-cobra stare that made her freeze instantly.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Look! A picture of a king cobra. It is very big.
- The king cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world.
- Conservationists are working to protect the king cobra's natural habitat from deforestation.
- Metaphorically speaking, the company's CEO was the king cobra of the industry, intimidating rivals with strategic precision.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
KING COBRA: The KING of snakes that can CO-BRAvely stare down almost any threat.
Conceptual Metaphor
DOMINANT POWER IS A KING COBRA (e.g., 'He is the king cobra of the courtroom.'); DANGER IS A HIDDEN KING COBRA.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'король кобра'. The standard Russian equivalent is 'королевская кобра'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cobra king' (incorrect word order).
- Confusing it with other large snakes like pythons or anacondas, which are non-venomous constrictors.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of a king cobra's diet?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its venom is extremely potent and it can deliver a large quantity, other snakes like the inland taipan have more toxic venom per drop.
While its venom is powerful enough to theoretically kill an elephant, an envenomation event of that scale is exceptionally rare and not typical of its behaviour or prey.
It likely refers to its size, dominance, and its dietary habit of eating other snakes, making it 'king' among them.
Key identifiers are its large size, a more tapered hood, and chevron-like patterns on the back of its hood, unlike the spectacle or monocle patterns of many *Naja* cobras.