big shot

noun

, Informal.

1. an important or influential person.

big shot

noun

1. informal.
   an important or influential person

Word History and Origins

Origin of big shot¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Idioms and Phrases

see under big cheese .

Example Sentences

As a Cy Young Award-winning rookie pitcher in 1981, Valenzuela forever changed the makeup of the Dodgers’ fan base, but he never behaved as if he was a big shot in the media dining room.

From Los Angeles Times

"This is a much-needed and big shot in the arm for women's boxing as it joins the Riyadh Season train which is moving to a greater destination for boxing," promoter Eddie Hearn tells BBC Sport.

From BBC

You just know what it feels like to be there and put so much effort into it and this is your big shot.

From Los Angeles Times

My wife and I played in a — my wife by the way, she's the big shot, a four-time all-American swimmer.

From Salon

Calling it a typographical error, Westheimer acknowledged, “Even big shot people like myself make mistakes.”

From Los Angeles Times