# big wheel

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/big-wheel
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.

## Examples

- He is a big wheel at the local bank.
- You should talk to the manager, as he is a big wheel who can actually approve your request.
- The gala was attended by every big wheel in the city, all eager to secure a seat at the table of the influential host.

## Origin

Originally a brand name for a tricycle, later passing into more general usage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.