ENGLISH
REFERENCE

big cheese

idiom
Meaning

A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

From big + cheese (“wealth, fame, importance”). Earliest use to mean importance from 1910.

Examples
SIMPLE

He is the big cheese at our local office.

CONTEXTUAL

You should speak with the big cheese if you want to change the company policy.

COMPLEX

The junior employees were nervous when the big cheese arrived to announce the unexpected corporate merger.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little bit of bread and no cheese

    Used to represent the song of the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella).

  2. 02

    big boy

    A large object or person.

  3. 03

    big boys

    The people or bodies with the most influence and/or power.

  4. 04

    big break

    A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.

  5. 05

    big bucks

    Lots of money.

  6. 06

    big deal

    Something very important or difficult; a matter of great concern; a considerable feat or achievement.

  7. 07

    big dick energy

    Unassuming self-confidence.

  8. 08

    big end of town

    The top end of town.

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