big gun: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘big gun’ mean?
The idiom "big gun" means a person who is powerful or influential in a particular field or situation.
Idiom Explorer
"Large and in charge" is an idiom that means someone is in a position of power or authority, and they are confident and capable of handling their responsibilities.
An idiom meaning an individual or thing that is the most impressive or influential among others in a given field or situation.
The idiom "in a big way" means to do something on a large scale, with great intensity or significance.
The idiom "hotter than a pistol" means something or someone that is very exciting, dynamic, or popular. It suggests a high level of energy, enthusiasm, or success.
The idiom "hot shit" refers to someone or something that is highly impressive, successful or influential. It is used to convey a sense of superiority or remarkable qualities.
The idiom "hired gun" refers to a person who is hired to perform a specific task, often of a questionable or morally ambiguous nature, such as providing professional services, especially those involving violence or illegal activities, in exchange for payment.
The idiom "guns blazing" means to engage in a task or activity with great determination, energy, and enthusiasm.
The idiom "go great guns" means to work or proceed with great energy, speed, or enthusiasm. It suggests a strong and successful effort, often used in reference to someone excelling or achieving a goal. The phrase originated from the booming sound of guns during battle or shooting competitions.
The idiom "give it the gun" means to apply maximum effort or speed to a task or activity.
Unleashing Power and Authority
The idioms "big shot," "big wheel," "big boys," "heavy hitter," and "big fish" are all related to the idiom "big gun," as they share similar meanings and convey the concepts of power, influence, and authority.
A "big shot" is colloquially used to refer to someone who is highly influential or important, often in a specific field or industry. This idiom suggests that the person has achieved a level of success and prominence that sets them apart from others.
A "big wheel" is another idiom that conveys a similar meaning to "big shot." It refers to someone who holds a position of power and influence, often within a specific organization or social circle.
The phrase "big boys" can be used to refer to individuals or organizations that are powerful and influential. This idiom often implies that these individuals or organizations have significant resources or capabilities at their disposal.
A "heavy hitter" is someone who is highly influential or powerful, often in a competitive or professional context. This idiom suggests that the person has a significant impact or influence, and their actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Similarly, a "big fish" is an idiom used to describe someone who is powerful or influential. This phrase conveys the idea that the person is a significant player in a particular field or industry.
These idioms are related to the idiom "big gun" in the sense that they all convey the concepts of power, influence, and authority. They are used to describe individuals who possess these qualities and have the ability to make a significant impact or exert control over others.
Overall, the idioms "big shot," "big wheel," "big boys," "heavy hitter," and "big fish" are all closely related to the idiom "big gun" and share a common theme of power and influence. These idioms serve to highlight the significance and impact of individuals who possess these qualities.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "big gun" can be used in a sentence:
- He called in the big gun to negotiate the deal.
- The company brought out their big guns to win the competition.
- She always carries a big gun, metaphorically speaking, when it comes to her professional skills.
More "Weapons" idioms
