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.
Brook had made a scintillating hundred but tried one big shot too many to fall for 111.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026
Three days after Kennard made every big shot, he made every big shot.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2026
He likes to be the big shot and the center of attention.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 11, 2026
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
The guy who never got the girl but worshipped her in secret while the big shot hero rode off in the sunset with her in the end.
From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
