Big Enchilada Definition

noun

The most important or powerful person in an enterprise or field.

American Heritage

Something of the highest value or importance.

American Heritage

(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.

Wiktionary

(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.

Wiktionary

Attributive form of big enchilada.

Big-enchilada complex.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Big Enchilada

Singular:

big enchilada

Plural:

big-enchiladas

On the model of such expressions as big cheese (probably taken as from cheese)

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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