How to Use "Big" Like a Native Speaker

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"Big" is probably one of the first words you learned when you began learning English. It expresses a very simple idea that we use many times every day.

But just like other short, basic words, it has many more meanings and uses than you might expect. This article will explain how to use it on its own and as part of common English idioms. Let's go!

Basic Uses of “Big”

Of course, the most basic use of "big" is describing something large — it's the opposite of "small."

The new building downtown is very big.
I cooked a big steak for dinner last night.

But it can also be used to describe something figuratively, meaning things that we can't touch or see.

The new CEO has a lot of big ideas for the future of the company.
We'll be in big trouble if we don't finish this project by the deadline.
We have a big surprise for you.

Here, "big" does not refer to physical size; instead, it suggests the quality or intensity of something. So in the examples above, we have great ideas, serious trouble and an exciting surprise.

In the following example, although the speaker's sister is real, the "big" refers to age instead of size.

My big sister was born three years before me.

Idioms with “Big”

"Big" is used in quite a lot of common English expressions. Some of these you might have heard before, but there are probably a few that are new to you. You should learn them all because each is common in daily conversations.

Big deal

No, this idiom is not related to shopping! Instead, a "big deal" is a casual way to refer to a very important or special matter.

When the president visited our small town, it was a very big deal.
That company had been in business for 100 years, so it was a big deal when it closed.

"Big deal" is often used in negative sentences to say that something is not important or significant.

There was a typhoon last week, but it wasn't a big deal; it caused no damage or injuries.

People also use it to ask or wonder why something is important or special.

Taylor Swift's albums always sell millions, but what's the big deal? Is her music really that good?

Big mouth

"Big mouth" is a negative name for someone who shares secrets or gossip about others.

Mike promised to keep it a secret, but he told everyone anyway. What a big mouth!

You can also say that someone has a big mouth. You can hear it in the 1984 song "Big Mouth" by the Hip Hop group Whodini. This song is about people who spread rumors and reveal sensitive information.

People used to say that you had a big mouth

And now I understand what they're talking about

Because what we do is just between me and you

Not something that you run and tell your crew

Full lyrics

Big shot

A "big shot" is a person with a lot of power and influence. It can be used as a noun or as an adjective.

My older brother is a big shot on his college campus.
My friend from high school is now a big shot engineer at a famous software company.

The big screen

"The big screen" is another name for movie screens, which are larger than television and smartphone screens.

The young actor was excited to finally see himself on the big screen.
I watch thrillers and comedies at home, but I prefer watching action movies on the big screen.

Related article: How to Talk About Movies in English

Big Brother

"Big Brother" (with both words capitalized) refers to a government or large organization that uses its power to spy on citizens. This term comes from 1984, a famous novel by American writer George Orwell.

Big Brother is also the name of a reality TV series about people living in a home full of cameras recording them.

My cousin doesn't use smartphones or social media because he's concerned about Big Brother monitoring him online.

Big-boned

People with bodies that are larger than average are sometimes described as being "big-boned." This is not the same as "fat," which has a negative nuance.

Harry is a big-boned guy with short, curly hair and glasses.

Make it big

An excited young businessman pumping his fists in celebration

This idiom means "to become very successful."

Many people move to Los Angeles with dreams of making it big in the entertainment industry.

Too big for one’s britches

"Britches" is an old-fashioned word for a kind of pants for men. Although it is not commonly used alone today, you can still hear it in this expression, which means "overconfident."

Ever since Chris got that promotion, he's been acting too big for his britches.

Wrap-Up

Even though it's a simple word, "big" is a big deal in English. Use it to talk about the size of physical things, the importance of figurative things, and in a wide variety of idioms.

Want to read more about big things? Check out these articles next!