big shot

See also: bigshot

English

Alternative forms

• bigshot, big-shot

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

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Noun

big shot (plural big shots)

1. (idiomatic) A person with a reputation of importance or power.

   Synonyms: bigwig; see also Thesaurus:important person

   They stopped traffic so some big shot and his entourage could have the whole road to themselves.

2. (idiomatic) A rare and significant chance to achieve fame or success.

   her one big shot at the brass ring

3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see big,‎ shot.

Descendants

• → Macanese: tiro-grandi (calque)

Translations

person with reputation or importance — see big cheese