big deal

American  

[big deel] / ˈbɪg ˈdil /

noun

1. an important or impressive person or thing.

   to make a big deal out of nothing;

   I hear he's a big deal on Wall Street now.

2. (used ironically as an interjection to indicate that one considers something to be unimportant or unimpressive).

   So you're the mayor's cousin—big deal!

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idioms

1. (it’s) no big deal. no big deal

big deal British  

interjection

1. slang an exclamation of scorn, derision, etc, used esp to belittle a claim or offer

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big deal More Idioms  

1. A matter of great interest or importance, as in Performing in Symphony Hall is a big deal for everyone in the chorus . [c. 1940] Also see under make a federal case out of .

2. So what? Who cares? For example, So you got the job after all—well, big deal! This use of the phrase as an ironic interjection dates from approximately the same time.

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Etymology

Origin of big deal

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

“For us, performing there is such a big deal, it’s nerve-racking.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

"It's a big deal not only for Chevron but the entire Gulf region," says Tim Potter.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Was it really such a big deal to begin with?

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

In the opening episode, the narrator travels to Rhode Island to interview Thomas for a magazine article—a big deal, because Thomas is 90 and unlikely to consent to this kind of personal intrusion again.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Ziegler didn’t think it sounded like a big deal.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin