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!

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of big deal

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

It wasn’t a big deal because the bus started boarding at 10:49.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

Getting cast in a Steven Spielberg movie is a big deal for any actor.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

"It reminded us what a big deal James Bond is - because that news was everywhere," says Smith.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

“To keep oil prices at these levels, there must therefore be a big deal of optimism about a peace deal baked in.”

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

“Please don’t tell them. I don’t want them to go to school and make a big deal about it. It will make everything worse.”

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh