20 Useful Expressions with Big in English

Hello, English learners! The word big appears in many common English expressions, and learning them can make your English sound far more natural and expressive. Some of these are true idioms, while others are common collocations and fixed phrases that native speakers use all the time. In this lesson, you will learn useful expressions with big in English, what they mean, and how to use them in real sentences.

Let’s get started.

1. Big brother

A big brother is your older brother.

• My big brother taught me how to ride a bike.
• Olivia always asks her big brother for advice.

The phrase Big Brother can also mean a powerful authority that watches and controls people too closely. This meaning comes from George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.

• Some people worry that too much surveillance turns the government into Big Brother.
• Citizens felt as though Big Brother was watching their every move.

2. Big decision

A big decision is an important decision, usually one that can change your life in some way.

• Moving abroad was a big decision for the whole family.
• You should think carefully before making such a big decision.

3. In a big way

If something happens in a big way, it happens on a large scale or very strongly.

• Tourism has changed the town in a big way.
• After her book became popular, her career took off in a big way.

4. Bigwig

A bigwig is an important or influential person, especially in business, politics, or an organisation. It is slightly informal.

• Several local bigwigs attended the opening ceremony.
• He was nervous because he had to present his idea to the company bigwigs.

5. Big-hearted

A big-hearted person is kind, generous, and caring.

• Our neighbour is a big-hearted woman who is always helping others.
• It was a big-hearted gesture to donate so much money to the hospital.

6. The Big Apple

The Big Apple is a famous nickname for New York City.

• Visiting the Big Apple has always been one of my dreams.
• They spent a week exploring museums and cafés in the Big Apple.

7. Big deal

If something is a big deal, it is important or significant.

• Getting your first job is a big deal.
• For the team, winning that final match was a big deal.

We also often say make a big deal out of something, which means to treat something as more important than it really is.

• He made a big deal out of a tiny mistake.
• Try not to make such a big deal about what she said.

8. Big mouth

A big mouth is someone who cannot keep a secret or talks too much about private matters.

• Don’t tell Jake anything confidential — he’s got a big mouth.
• I should never have told her; she has such a big mouth.

9. Big shot

A big shot is an important, successful, or powerful person. This expression is informal and sometimes slightly humorous.

• Ever since he got promoted, he acts like a big shot.
• Some film big shots were sitting in the front row.

10. Think big

To think big means to have ambitious ideas and aim for great success.

• If you want to build a successful business, you need to think big.
• She has always encouraged her students to think big and dream boldly.

11. Big-time

If something happens big-time, it happens to a great degree. It often suggests something dramatic, serious, or impressive.

• He messed up big-time during the interview.
• Their new marketing campaign succeeded big-time.

12. Too big for your boots

This is a very useful British expression. If someone is too big for their boots, they are too proud, too confident, or they think they are more important than they really are.

• Since winning that award, he’s become far too big for his boots.
• She’s talented, but she must be careful not to get too big for her boots.

13. A big mouthful

A big mouthful can mean a large amount of food in your mouth, but it is also used to describe a word or phrase that is difficult to say because it is long or complicated.

• Don’t take such a big mouthful — you’ll choke.
• “Internationalisation” is quite a big mouthful.

14. Big spender

A big spender is someone who spends a lot of money, often freely and confidently.

• He’s a real big spender whenever he goes on holiday.
• The restaurant attracts big spenders from all over the city.

15. Big break

A big break is an important opportunity that helps someone become successful.

• That television role was her big break.
• Every young musician dreams of getting their big break.

16. The big picture

The big picture means the whole situation, rather than the small details.

• It’s easy to focus on minor problems and forget the big picture.
• Good leaders understand both the details and the big picture.

17. Have a big heart

If someone has a big heart, they are very kind and generous.

• She may seem strict, but she really has a big heart.
• Anyone who rescues animals clearly has a big heart.

18. Big name

A big name is a famous or well-known person or brand.

• Several big names in fashion attended the event.
• The festival managed to attract some big-name performers.

19. Big news

Big news means important or exciting news.

• I’ve got some big news — I’m getting married.
• The company announced big news about its future plans.

20. Big mistake

A big mistake is a serious mistake.

• Leaving without checking the contract was a big mistake.
• It would be a big mistake to ignore the warning signs.

Final thoughts

As you can see, the word big is used in many useful English expressions. Some describe important people such as bigwig and big shot, while others describe important events or actions, such as big decision, big break, and big deal.

Try learning these expressions in context rather than memorising them as isolated items. That way, they will feel more natural when you speak or write.

A good rule to remember is this: small word, big usefulness.

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