a) a very rich person
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b) a very important person
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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
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