Gorilla

Definitions

1. An ape of the genus Gorilla; endemic to the forests of Central Africa and typified by superlative physical size and strength in relation to other primates.
2. A big and brutish man or a thug; a goon or ruffian.
3. A powerful person or organization; a heavyweight or behemoth.
   informal
4. 1000 pounds sterling or dollar.
   Australia, UK, slang

Equivalents

Examples

“In three of these twenty gorillæ 14 ribs are present⟳, and the additional rib in each of them is below. […] The conclusion that the usual place⟳ of commencement of the dorsal type⟳ in the gorilla is between the 12th and 13th dorsal vertebræ is founded on notes taken of this character in 13 of these gorillæ.”

““They are wicked people—neither white like⟳ you nor black like⟳ me, but covered with hair as is Bolgani, the gorilla. Yes, they are very bad people indeed, and Chowambi was glad to get⟳ out of their country.””

“"I'll do the old gorilla the justice to say⟳ that he is open-handed with money."”

“"Don't fool yourself," I said. "I could have⟳ slugged this pair of amateur gorillas any hour of the day or night. I've not done it because you've got nothing against them other than their being a pair of dim-witted nuisances."”

“The two industry gorillas — IBM and AT&T — will get⟳ together to decide⟳ who will provide⟳ different communications services, Biddle stated.”

CEFR level