“Big Cheese” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 9, 2024 by Liam Daniel

When you hear the phrase “Big Cheese,” you might think of dairy food, but that’s not what this term means. This reference will explore the meaning of “Big Cheese,” its origins, and how to use it in conversation. We’ll look at the definition and give examples to help you understand how to use the phrase.

“Big Cheese” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “big cheese” refers to an important or influential person, typically someone in a position of power or authority. It’s often used in a somewhat informal or humorous way to describe a person who holds a high rank or is seen as the boss.

Big Cheese

“Big Cheese” Meaning

The phrase “big cheese” refers to an important or influential person within a particular context, organization, or group. It is often used informally to describe someone who holds a significant position of authority or power, akin to being the “top dog” or the “main person” in a situation.

Examples:

  • “He’s the big cheese around here, so you should probably consult him before making any decisions.”
  • “When she walked into the room, everyone knew she was the big cheese in the company.”

Origin of this Idiomatic Phrase

This saying was originally used around the year 1890 in the United States but it actually comes from the British word, Cheese which meant something that is the best. However, this term could then have come from the Persian word for thing, which is Ciz (pronounced chiz) and put together with the word big, meant a big thing.

Usage of “Big Cheese”

  • In a workplace setting:

“The big cheese is coming to the meeting today, so make sure everything is perfect.”

  • Talking about a leader:

“She’s the big cheese of the marketing department—everyone reports to her.”

  • In a casual conversation:

“He acts like the big cheese because he’s been with the company the longest.”

  • Describing someone influential:

“If you want to get that deal approved, you’ll need to talk to the big cheese.”

Related Terms to “Big Cheese”

  • Big shot – an important or influential person, often in a business or social context.
  • Top dog – the most important or dominant person in a particular group or situation.
  • Head honcho – the person in charge or the leader of a group or organization.
  • Bigwig – a person of significant importance or influence, especially in business or politics.
  • Higher-up – someone in a position of authority or seniority within an organization.
  • Heavy hitter – a powerful or influential person, particularly in business or politics.
  • Power broker – an individual who influences decisions and policies, often behind the scenes.
  • Mogul – a wealthy and influential person in a particular industry, often in entertainment or business.
  • Chief – a leader or person in charge, often used in a formal context.
  • Luminary – a person who inspires or influences others, especially in a particular field.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are other words you might use to refer to someone as the big cheese. Some of these examples could be as follows.

  • Big shot
  • Head honcho
  • Chief
  • Top banana
  • Big fish
  • Boss
  • Leader
  • Director
  • Principal

“Big Cheese” Examples

You would often hear this phrase being used in a professional situation or in the workplace when talking about the manager or the boss of the company you are working for. You might also use it when talking about a leader of a country or organization. You might hear it used loosely in a religious context, for example, ‘Jesus Christ is the big cheese when it comes to Christianity.’

Example Sentences

  • Evidently he was considered a big cheese here, and was greeted by everyone.
  • This man is now a big cheese in this industry.
  • He thinks he’s the big cheese, but in fact he’s only one of the maggots!
  • He is a big cheese in the Art Fraud Squad.
  • Who’s the big cheese in the small town?

Conversation Examples

Here are some examples of conversations in which you might hear or use the phrase ‘big cheese.’

Conversation 1:

  • Person 1: “Oh look out, here comes George. You don’t want to upset him.
  • Person 2: “What’s so special about him?”
  • Person 1: “Don’t you know? He is the big cheese around here.”

Conversation 2:

  • Person 1: “I am so nervous.”
  • Person 2: “What do you have to be nervous about?”
  • Person 1: “I’ve got a meeting with the big cheese today and it has to go well.”
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