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

See Examples For:

big deal

"It's called the U.S. Space Academy. That's a big deal," Trump said as he signed an executive order creating the new school.

From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026

I gave a knowing nod to the guy at the counter, as if to say: This isn’t a big deal.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026

Zak Apsey said the investigation into Farage was "not a big deal"

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

That’s kind of a big deal for anybody.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

There’s a lot of poop too, but it’s no big deal; I just clean it up and put some new straw in.

From "Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer" by Kelly Jones