Kingmaker vs. Kingpin: What's the Difference?

One who has the political power to influence the selection of a candidate for high public office.

The innermost or central pin in an arrangement of bowling pins.

(politics) Someone who has strong influence over the choice of a leader.

See headpin.

A player who is unable to win but powerful enough to decide which of the other viable players will eventually win.

The most important person or element in an enterprise or system.

An important person who can bring leaders to power through the exercise of political influence;

See kingbolt.

(transportation) The axis around which steered wheels pivot; a bolt that holds the axis in place—a kingbolt.

(transportation) The pivot or connector between a tractor and trailer in the fifth-wheel coupling of semi-trailer truck.

The pin at the centre of the triangle of bowling pins (originally the tallest pin in kayles). Sometimes also the headpin at the apex.

The most important person in an undertaking or organization.

The bolt holding together the truck of a roller skate or skateboard.

The most important person in a group or undertaking

Bolt that provides a steering joint in a motor vehicle

The front bowling pin in the triangular arrangement of ten pins