big shot

American  

noun

Informal.

1. an important or influential person.

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big shot British  

noun

1. informal an important or influential person

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big shot Idioms  

1. see under big cheese.

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Etymology

Origin of big shot

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Pierce Thompson made some big shots in the second half and had 13 points.

From Los Angeles Times

Would they play big shots and find ways to get out?

From BBC

Reaves had 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds and also hit big shots to block the Bucks’ comeback, while Ayton had 20 points and 10 rebounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Gorringe is shaking hands with a bunch of big shots, and now he’s going down to talk to the workmen.

From Literature

Which Wall Street big shots Eisman had insulted was a matter of which Wall Street big shots’ presence Eisman was allowed into.

From Literature

Related Words

• bigwig
• dignitary
• heavyweight
• mogul