T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

big cheese

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) a very rich person

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

b) a very important person

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

A ’big cheese’ is the most influential or important person in a group.

French translation

grand ponte, monsieur, huile, grosse légume

How NOT to translate : *gros fromage

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Examples in context

‘The Englishman who’s now a big cheese in France

Matthew Feroze, an English auditor-turned cheesemonger, was the surprise winner of France’s national cheesemonger trials in Lyon on Sunday. Feroze, 30, a civil servant on a two-year unpaid sabbatical, triumphed over 15 competitors to win the prestigious Concours National des Fromagers. ’

The Guardian, 30 Jan. 2013

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‘Rural Ontario may finally get answers
Whoever becomes Dalton McGuinty’s successor in late January will become the big cheese.

In a month we’ll know the identity of the next premier of Ontario.

The governing Liberals will choose a successor to Dalton McGuinty in late January and that individual automatically will become the big cheese.’

theobserver.ca, 29 Dec. 2012

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Everyday usage

He is a big cheese in the rugby world.

Apparently her father is a big cheese in one of the major banks.

c) a very lazy person

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.


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