Question

A big cheese If someone is described as a big cheese, he or she is a powerful, important person. The “cheese” in this expression may come from “chiz” or “cheez”, a word meaning “thing” in Urdu, a language used in India. It was first used by British people when they were in India in the 19th century, and came to mean a boss. “It’s a really important meeting of the Football Association. All the big cheeses will be there.”

Accepted Answer

What do you mean? Why does it mean this? Example

Metaphor	A big cheese
Question Meaning	What do you mean?
Meaning	If someone is described as a big cheese, he or she is a powerful, important person.
Question Explanation	Why does it mean this?
Explanation	The “cheese” in this expression may come from “chiz” or “cheez”, a word meaning “thing” in Urdu, a language used in India. It was first used by British people when they were in India in the 19th century, and came to mean a boss.
Question Example	Example
Example	“It’s a really important meeting of the Football Association. All the big cheeses will be there.”

Big Cheese Important Powerful Person Expression Chiz Cheez