A big cheese

usgb
noun

An important person, especially in a particular sphere.

He became a big cheese in the film industry.
Visual representation of "a big cheese" - An important person, especially in a particular sphere.

Often appears as...

  • become a big cheese
  • is a big cheese

Usage tips

Informal, Approving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a big cheese"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Usage

The phrase is informal and often used in casual or humorous contexts, not usually in formal settings.

Illustration for Informal Usage
In our club, Jenna is considered the big cheese because she's been there the longest.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slightly Humorous

'A big cheese' can suggest a playful or ironic recognition of someone's importance or influence.

Illustration for Slightly Humorous
You’ll have to ask Mark, he’s the big cheese around here when it comes to scheduling.
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Non-Literal Meaning

It doesn't refer to cheese at all; it's a metaphorical expression for a person's status.

Illustration for Non-Literal Meaning
After the promotion, everybody treated him like the big cheese of the department.
Visual representation of the word "A big cheese"

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