Definition

Noun: 1. An important and influential person: A "big wheel" is a person who holds significant power, authority, or influence within a particular organization, field, or social circle. The term often implies a high status that is recognized by others.

Usage

The term "big wheel" is an informal, slightly dated idiom used to describe someone of importance. It is typically used in conversational English rather than formal writing. * It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a big wheel, the big wheels). * It often carries a neutral or slightly humorous tone, though context can make it sound admiring or slightly sarcastic.

Examples

• Neutral/Descriptive:
• Admiring:
• Slightly Sarcastic:

Advanced Usage

• "to be/feel like a big wheel": To have or perceive oneself as having significant importance or status.
  • After closing the deal, he felt like a big wheel.

Variants and Related Words

• Bigwig (noun): A very important person (VIP). This is a close synonym with a similar informal register.
• Big cheese (noun): Another informal synonym for an important person.
• Big shot (noun): An important or influential person. (Note: This is listed as a separate, related term, not as the definition of "big wheel").
• Big deal (noun): An important person or thing. (Note: This is listed as a separate, related term, not as the definition of "big wheel").
• Big fish (noun): An important person within a particular context. (Note: This is listed as a separate, related term, not as the definition of "big wheel").

Synonyms

• VIP
• Magnate
• Mogul
• Tycoon
• Heavyweight
• Luminary

Related Idioms

• A mover and shaker: A person who has power and influence and who makes things happen.
  • The meeting was full of movers and shakers from the art world.
• Top brass: The people in the highest positions of authority, especially in the military or a company.
  • The decision will be made by the top brass.

Noun

1. an important influential person
   • he thinks he's a big shot
   • she's a big deal in local politics
   • the Qaeda commander is a very big fish