big enchilada

English

Pronunciation

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Noun

big enchilada (plural big enchiladas)

1. (slang) A very important person, especially the highest-ranking individual in an organization.

   Synonyms: big man, big cheese, big kahuna, bigwig; see also Thesaurus:important person

   The detectives were trying to identify the big enchilada who controlled the entire criminal network.

2. (slang) Some item of high value, especially a top prize or reward.

   Synonym: brass ring

   When the lottery results were announced, he was stunned to learn that the big enchilada was all his.