chief
This term identifies a singular point of ultimate accountability within a hierarchy. It suggests a role that encompasses both the power to command and the responsibility to protect the collective interests of the group.
While often associated with emergency services or tribal structures, the term also appears in corporate titles to denote the highest level of functional expertise, such as in executive leadership roles where strategic vision is paramount.
A chief.
Meanings
Examples
Who is the chief of this entire operation?
Look, the chief is coming, everyone get back to work!
I can't believe the chief actually signed off on this.
Wait, are you the chief here? This is a disaster!
Listen, the chief wants a full report by tomorrow morning.
I'll just wait until the chief arrives to decide.
Collocations & Compounds
police chief
The head officer of a police department
The police chief held a press conference to update the public.
fire chief
The highest ranking officer in a fire department
The fire chief coordinated the rescue efforts during the blaze.
chief executive
The person with the highest rank in a company
The chief executive announced a new strategy for growth.
tribal chief
The leader of a tribe or clan
The tribal chief maintained the ancestral traditions of the people.
chief of staff
The primary assistant to a high-ranking official
The chief of staff manages the president's daily schedule.
Idioms & Sayings
commander in chief
the supreme commander of a nation's military forces
The president serves as the commander in chief of the armed forces.
chief among
the most important or prominent of a group
Among all the challenges we face, climate change is chief among them.