BIG idioms (idioms with adjectives)

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What does big mean?

The word ‘big‘ as an adjective can mean large, important, major and giant. For example

Let’s take a look at some common idioms containing the word ‘big’.

a big fish in a small pond
meaning – someone who is important in a small area
example – Joe was a big fish in a small pond. When he went to uni, that all changed.
big brother
meaning – a person/government/organisation that watches and controls people
example – There are so many cameras in the city centre, Big Brother is watching.
big bucks
meaning – lots of money
example – If we get this contract, it means big bucks for our company.
big cheese
meaning – a very important person
example – The big cheese is coming tomorrow. Please make sure you arrive on time.
big headed
meaning – an arrogant person
example – My cousin is a top actor. He’s really down to earth and not big headed.
big picture
meaning – the whole perspective of an issue/situation
example – Look at the big picture. If you keep giving him chocolate, you’ll have huge vet bills down the line.
big time
meaning – to a great extent
example – I’ve messed up big time. I wouldn’t be surprised if she never spoke to me again.

bigwig
meaning – an important person
example – Make sure you’re polite to that guy in the pink shirt, he’s a government bigwig.
eyes bigger than one’s belly
meaning – take more food than you can eat
example – We always have eyes bigger than our bellies when we go to sushi restaurants.
have a big mouth
meaning – someone talks a lot and can’t keep secrets
example – Corey has a big mouth, I hope a year 11 shuts him up one day.
have bigger fish to fry
meaning – have more important/interesting things to do
example – I can’t help you look for a new bike. I’ve got bigger fish to fry.
hit the big time
meaning – become rich/famous/successful
example – I’ve got a part in a Hollywood blockbuster, I’ve hit the big time.
the Big Apple
meaning – New York
example – I’ve always wanted to live in the Big Apple.
too big for one’s boots
meaning – cocky, arrogant, overconfident
example – Jake has become too big for his boots since he started trials for Manchester City.