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

But if you don’t mind putting in the time to file your taxes correctly — or hiring someone to do it — it may not be a big deal.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

The recent weakness in hyperscaler bonds is a big deal for fund managers and investors, because investment-grade corporate bonds tend to be fairly stable.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

It’s more of a big deal to people in the Midwest, and you’re getting more real answers, you’re getting people that are going back to work the next day.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026

So it was a big deal when they hammered their old rivals in the British Home Championship 5-0 at Hampden Park in 1888, before England even had a football league.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

Mom always made a big deal about family dinners.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix