Idioms are interesting phrases that express ideas in a creative and fun way. Instead of saying things directly, idioms use comparisons or metaphorical meanings. This makes language richer and more engaging. In this article, we’ll explore idioms that relate to the word “big.” These idioms are often used in everyday speech to describe something important, impressive, or significant.
Understanding these idioms can help you communicate more effectively and make your conversations lively. Whether you’re talking about a big achievement or a large change, these idioms can make your speech more colorful and meaningful. Let’s dive into some of the most common idioms for big things and see how they can be used in sentences.
Idioms for Big
1. Bigger fish to fry
Meaning: A more important task or issue to deal with.
Samples: I can’t help you with that right now; I have bigger fish to fry. / She has bigger fish to fry than arguing about a small mistake.
To Put it Another Way: I have more important things to do. / There’s something more urgent I need to focus on.
2. Go big or go home
Meaning: To do something with great effort or not do it at all.
Samples: We’re entering the competition, and our motto is go big or go home! / When I give a speech, I always try to go big or go home.
To Put it Another Way: Either do it all the way or not at all. / There’s no point in doing it unless you put your full effort in.
3. Make a big deal out of something
Meaning: To treat something as more important or serious than it really is.
Samples: Don’t make a big deal out of it, it’s just a small mistake. / Why are you making such a big deal out of a few missing pages?
To Put it Another Way: You’re exaggerating it. / It’s not worth this much attention.
4. Big picture
Meaning: The overall or most important idea or concept.
Samples: When planning a project, always keep the big picture in mind. / Don’t get lost in the details; focus on the big picture.
To Put it Another Way: Think about the final goal. / Consider what’s most important overall.
5. Big shot
Meaning: A powerful or important person.
Samples: He’s a big shot in the business world. / They invited a big shot to the meeting to impress the clients.
To Put it Another Way: He’s a person of influence. / She’s someone who holds a lot of power.
6. In a big way
Meaning: Doing something with a lot of effort, energy, or style.
Samples: He celebrated his promotion in a big way with a huge party. / They decorated the house in a big way for the holiday season.
To Put it Another Way: They did it impressively. / It was done with great style.
7. Make a big splash
Meaning: To attract a lot of attention or be very successful at the start.
Samples: The new movie made a big splash at the box office. / She made a big splash at the talent show with her performance.
To Put it Another Way: She had a huge impact. / It caught everyone’s attention right away.
8. Big time
Meaning: A very successful or important time or event.
Samples: His band is in the big time now, playing at major festivals. / We had a big time at the amusement park yesterday.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a huge success. / That was an exciting time.
9. Think big
Meaning: To imagine or plan for something grand or ambitious.
Samples: If you want to succeed, you need to think big and dream big. / Don’t limit yourself; always think big.
To Put it Another Way: Aim for great things. / Set high goals for yourself.
10. Big mouth
Meaning: Someone who talks too much or reveals secrets.
Samples: Don’t tell him anything; he has a big mouth! / She has a big mouth and always tells everyone what she hears.
To Put it Another Way: She talks too freely. / He can’t keep secrets.
11. Big heart
Meaning: Being kind, generous, or caring.
Samples: He has a big heart and always helps those in need. / She’s a big-hearted person who loves to volunteer.
To Put it Another Way: She’s very compassionate. / He’s full of kindness.
12. Big break
Meaning: A major opportunity or lucky moment that leads to success.
Samples: Getting signed by that music label was her big break. / Winning the contest was his big break in the acting world.
To Put it Another Way: It was a lucky opportunity. / This is the chance that can change everything.
13. Big as life
Meaning: Something or someone that is very obvious or noticeable.
Samples: He walked in as big as life, like he owned the place. / The problem was right there, big as life, in front of me.
To Put it Another Way: It was hard to miss. / It stood out clearly.
14. Big wheels
Meaning: Powerful or influential people in an organization or company.
Samples: The company’s big wheels were all at the meeting. / The big wheels are discussing our proposal next week.
To Put it Another Way: Important people. / The powerful decision-makers.
15. Big shoes to fill
Meaning: To have the difficult task of following someone who was highly successful.
Samples: After his father retired, he had big shoes to fill as the CEO. / She has big shoes to fill after her mentor left the company.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a tough position to take. / Someone was very successful before, and now it’s your turn.
16. In the big leagues
Meaning: Operating at the highest level of something, usually in business or sports.
Samples: He’s finally in the big leagues now that he’s playing for a professional team. / You’re in the big leagues if you’re working with those companies.
To Put it Another Way: You’re at the top level. / This is the highest level of success.
17. Big fish in a small pond
Meaning: Someone important in a small group or area but not in the bigger world.
Samples: He’s the big fish in a small pond at the local gym. / At his school, he’s the big fish in a small pond.
To Put it Another Way: He’s well-known but only in a limited space. / He’s popular where he is but not elsewhere.
18. The big cheese
Meaning: The most important or influential person.
Samples: She’s the big cheese in charge of the whole project. / You need to talk to the big cheese before making any decisions.
To Put it Another Way: She’s the head of everything. / He’s the one who makes the final call.
19. Big talk
Meaning: Speaking in an overly confident or boastful way.
Samples: He talks a big talk, but can he back it up? / Don’t listen to his big talk about how much money he makes.
To Put it Another Way: He brags a lot. / His words are bigger than his actions.
20. Go down in a big way
Meaning: To be remembered for something great.
Samples: The concert went down in a big way, with a standing ovation. / His victory went down in a big way in the history books.
To Put it Another Way: It was unforgettable. / It was remembered as a huge success.
21. A big ask
Meaning: A request that is difficult to fulfill.
Samples: Asking her to do that on her own is a big ask. / I don’t think I can do such a big ask for the team.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a lot to ask. / That’s asking too much.
22. Big on
Meaning: To like or be interested in something.
Samples: She’s really big on traveling to new countries. / He’s big on playing video games.
To Put it Another Way: She enjoys it a lot. / He’s very interested in that.
23. The big day
Meaning: A very important or significant day, usually referring to an event.
Samples: Tomorrow is the big day! We’re finally getting married. / The big day for the concert is next Friday.
To Put it Another Way: The important day is here. / This is the special day we’ve been waiting for.
24. Big hand
Meaning: Applause or recognition.
Samples: The actor received a big hand from the audience for his performance. / After the presentation, the whole team gave her a big hand.
To Put it Another Way: A round of applause. / Everyone applauded.
25. Big-time player
Meaning: A person who is highly skilled or successful at something.
Samples: He’s a big-time player in the tech industry. / She’s a big-time player on the soccer team.
To Put it Another Way: He’s a major talent. / She’s really successful in her field.
26. Big break
Meaning: A significant opportunity that leads to success.
Samples: The movie was his big break in Hollywood. / Getting that scholarship was her big break.
To Put it Another Way: A life-changing opportunity. / This is the chance that could make everything change.
27. Go big or go home
Meaning: To give something your all or not do it at all.
Samples: We’re going all in on this project. Go big or go home! / If you’re going to play, you have to go big or go home.
To Put it Another Way: Either do it well or don’t do it. / Give it everything you’ve got.
28. Big time
Meaning: A period of great success or achievement.
Samples: He’s living in the big time after signing with the record label. / After years of hard work, they finally hit the big time.
To Put it Another Way: He’s reached the peak. / They’ve achieved great success.
29. Big deal
Meaning: Something important or significant.
Samples: Don’t worry about it; it’s not a big deal. / Getting that job was a big deal for her.
To Put it Another Way: It’s something important. / That was a major event.
30. Bigger than life
Meaning: Something or someone impressive, extraordinary, or larger than expected.
Samples: The superhero in the movie was bigger than life! / His reputation is bigger than life.
To Put it Another Way: They are larger than expected. / They’re more impressive than you’d think.
Find the Topics: Idioms for Big
Reading Passage:
Mia was getting ready for her big day – the school’s talent show. She had been practicing for weeks and was determined to go big or go home. As she walked into the auditorium, she saw her best friend, Lucas, looking a little nervous. “Don’t worry,” Mia said, “This is your chance to make a big splash!”
During the show, Lucas performed a song he had written himself. The crowd gave him a big hand when he finished. He had never been so nervous, but he knew he had to think big and do his best. After the show, Mia congratulated him. “You really made a big deal out of your performance!” she said with a smile.
Later that evening, the school principal came up to Mia and said, “You’re a big shot in this school!” Mia blushed, but it felt nice to be recognized for her hard work. Her teacher also told her, “You did a great job today, Mia. You’re in the big leagues now.” Mia felt proud.
Now it was Mia’s turn. As she stepped onto the stage, she was determined to give it her all and make a big splash just like Lucas. She looked out at the audience and felt confident – this was her moment to go down in a big way.
Instructions:
Can you find and underline or list all the idioms related to “big” used in this passage? There are 8 idioms in total.
Answer Key
- Big day
- Go big or go home
- Make a big splash
- Big hand
- Make a big deal out of
- Big shot
- In the big leagues
- Go down in a big way
Conclusion
In this article, we explored 30 idioms related to “big” and their meanings. These idioms help make our language more colorful and engaging. Whether you’re talking about a big event, a major achievement, or simply something that stands out, these idioms can add flavor to your conversations.
By understanding and using idioms, you can speak more creatively and express ideas in a way that’s both interesting and fun. Next time you want to describe something impressive, important, or exciting, try using one of these idioms for “big.” It’ll make your language more lively and help you communicate better with others.
