big enchilada
See also: big-enchilada
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun
big enchilada (plural big enchiladas)
- (idiomatic) A very important person, especially the highest-ranking individual in an organization.
- The detectives were trying to identify the big enchilada who controlled the entire criminal network.
- (idiomatic) Some item of high value, especially a top prize or reward.
- When the lottery results were announced, he was stunned to learn that the big enchilada was all his.
Synonyms
- (very important person): big cheese, big kahuna, bigwig, big wheel, grand poobah, head honcho, kingpin, muckety muck, top banana, top dog
- (item of high value, top prize): brass ring