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.
He likes to be the big shot and the center of attention.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
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
"Not a big shot or having high thoughts of himself. He was back in training and being the same kid."
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025
He straightened the lapels of his bathrobe, a big shot.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
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.
