big deal

American  

[big deel] / ˈbɪg ˈdil /

noun

1. an important or impressive person or thing.

   to make a big deal out of nothing;

   I hear he's a big deal on Wall Street now.

2. (used ironically as an interjection to indicate that one considers something to be unimportant or unimpressive).

   So you're the mayor's cousin—big deal!

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idioms

1. (it’s) no big deal. see no big deal

big deal British  

interjection

1. slang an exclamation of scorn, derision, etc, used esp to belittle a claim or offer

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big deal More Idioms  

1. A matter of great interest or importance, as in Performing in Symphony Hall is a big deal for everyone in the chorus . [c. 1940] Also see under make a federal case out of .

2. So what? Who cares? For example, So you got the job after all—well, big deal! This use of the phrase as an ironic interjection dates from approximately the same time.

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Etymology

Origin of big deal

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

OK, so a lot of hourly workers and a few salaried workers could work more hours — not a big deal.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

Starship tests are a big deal for space enthusiasts and for investors.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Retiring is such a big deal, so I love to hear that you are celebrating it as such.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

And tennis was such a big deal among the Kennedys that Defense Secretary Robert McNamara took lessons so that he could better compete with his colleagues.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

“It’s not a big deal, Adam,” he said in a calming voice.

From "A Monster of a Mystery (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #5)" by Franklin W. Dixon