big enchilada

noun

, Slang.

1. someone regarded as the most important, influential, or dominant person in an organization:

   The police are hoping to catch the syndicate's big enchilada in the next raid.

Word History and Origins

Origin of big enchilada¹

First recorded in 1970–75; on the pattern of such expressions as big cheese, big wheel, etc.

Idioms and Phrases

see under big cheese .

Example Sentences

All we are sure of at this point is that Donald Trump is very likely on the cusp of another federal indictment and this one is the big enchilada.

From Salon

Mr. DeSantis, appearing on Fox News on Thursday, said Mr. Trump was “the big enchilada” on political endorsements when he was president.

From Washington Times

The big enchilada, of course, will be the inevitable impeachment of President Biden.

From Salon

This is “the big enchilada” of the legislative package, is how a friendly Republican lawmaker put it.

From Seattle Times

“This bill is the big enchilada,” he said.

From Washington Post