横綱
Meanings
1
yokozuna; grand champion
The highest rank in professional sumo. Refers to the wrestler holding that rank.
He was finally promoted to yokozuna.
The yokozuna's ring-entering ceremony is very powerful.
2
best in its field; cream of the crop
Figurative extension: the top person or thing in any domain, likened to the sumo grand champion.
He is called the yokozuna of the industry.
This restaurant is the cream of the crop in this area.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が横綱に昇進するfor someone to be promoted to yokozuna
He was promoted to yokozuna based on his results from the previous tournament.
- 〈事〉の横綱the best/top example of a certain field
This shop's ramen is said to be the best in town.
- 横綱が優勝するfor the yokozuna to win the tournament
This tournament, the yokozuna won with a perfect record.
- 横綱を倒すto defeat the yokozuna
An unknown wrestler defeated the yokozuna, earning a major upset win.
Expressions
- 横綱の器the caliber expected of a grand champion