kingmaker
C1Formal, journalistic, political
Definition
Meaning
A person who uses their influence to help someone else gain a position of power, especially in politics, without seeking the position for themselves.
More broadly, any person or entity that has decisive influence in selecting or appointing someone to a high office, leadership role, or position of prominence, often operating behind the scenes. Can also refer to a person who controls a situation by determining who holds power.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term carries connotations of behind-the-scenes manipulation, kingly patronage, and significant but indirect power. It implies the kingmaker has resources, influence, or votes that are crucial for the candidate's success. The focus is on the act of making, not being, the king.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used in both political contexts with the same core definition.
Connotations
In UK contexts, often evokes historical imagery of medieval nobility (e.g., Warwick the Kingmaker). In US contexts, more strongly associated with modern political brokers, party bosses, and major donors.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK media, given the historical precedent and monarchical system, but common in political discourse in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[kingmaker] + in + [domain] (kingmaker in the party)[kingmaker] + for + [candidate] (kingmaker for the nominee)[kingmaker] + to + [candidate] (kingmaker to the president)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play kingmaker”
- “kingmaker politics”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might describe a major shareholder or board member who decides the appointment of a CEO.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and sociology to analyse power structures and elite networks.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Primarily encountered in news and political commentary.
Technical
Not a technical term in most fields. Specific to political analysis and historical discourse.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was accused of trying to kingmake within the party.
American English
- The super PAC sought to kingmake in the primary election.
adjective
British English
- The union's kingmaking role was crucial.
American English
- They discussed the donor's kingmaking power.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The rich businessman was a kingmaker in the election.
- After the election, the senator emerged as the party's chief kingmaker, able to decide who would lead.
- The media baron's kingmaking influence was such that no candidate could secure the nomination without his tacit approval, though he never sought office himself.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TOY MAKER who creates a toy king. A KINGMAKER doesn't create a toy, but a real (figurative) king by using their influence.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS A MONARCHY / POWER IS A SUBSTANCE TO BE GIVEN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation as 'король-создатель' or 'делатель королей'. The established equivalent is 'создатель королей' or, more commonly, 'теневой лидер' or 'кукловод' depending on context, though these are not perfect matches.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to describe the person who *becomes* king (that's the king, not the kingmaker).
- Using it in non-political contexts where 'sponsor' or 'mentor' would be more appropriate.
- Confusing it with 'kingpin' (which implies direct control of an organisation, not just appointing its leader).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'kingmaker' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. The essence of being a kingmaker is wielding power indirectly by choosing someone else. If they take the position, they cease to be a kingmaker and become the king/leader.
It is often neutral or descriptive in political science, but in public discourse it can carry negative connotations of undemocratic, behind-the-scenes manipulation and excessive influence by elites.
It originates from the historical figure Richard Neville, the 16th Earl of Warwick (1428–1471), who was known as 'Warwick the Kingmaker' for his role in deposing and installing kings during the Wars of the Roses in England.
No, there is no commonly used gender-specific equivalent like 'queenmaker'. The term 'kingmaker' is used regardless of the gender of the person wielding the influence or the candidate they support.
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