Meanings
From big + cheese (“wealth, fame, importance”). Earliest use to mean importance from 1910.[1][2]
How to pronounce "big cheese":
AU
A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
Example: "He’ll be meeting with the big cheese first thing tomorrow, to present his proposal."
Example Sentences
1
She just got promoted to senior manager, now she's the big cheese in the company.
2
Everyone at the party was trying to impress the big cheese from the publishing industry.
3
He may be the big cheese around here, but he still listens to the ideas of his team members.
4
The CEO is the big cheese of the company and is responsible for making major strategic decisions.
5
With his vast wealth and influence, he is considered one of the big cheeses in the political arena.
