big shot
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of big shot
First recorded in 1905–10
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On “Father Figure,” Swift sings about a big shot taking a “protégé” under their wing—and demanding total loyalty in return.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2025
These days Joel isn’t Anthony or Mama Leone or even Mr. Cacciatore — he’s the big shot who owns the medical center, not to mention whatever else is available on Sullivan Street.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2025
When the big shot came, Stokes had positioned both a mid-on and long-on while Bashir looped up the second slowest wicket-taking delivery by an England bowler this decade.
From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2025
Once again, a big shot for the rookie.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2025
The bad blood isn’t because Manny is a big shot.
From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
