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Learn more English in a Minute
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Introduction
‘Big’ is not small! You might like a big slice of cake, own a big car or wear clothes that are too big. There are some English phrases with the word 'big' – learn some of them here with Beth.
Phrases with 'big'
a big deal
very important or serious
- You got 100% in the test? Well done. That’s a big deal!
a big fish in a small pond
a person who is important or has a lot of influence in a small group
- Would you prefer to work in a large company, or do you prefer being a big fish in a small pond?
the big picture/the bigger picture
everything related to a situation, like how the details affect everything else
- You can’t quit piano just because you don’t like your teacher. Think about the bigger picture.
big shoes to fill
be as good as the person who had the same job or position before you
- I’m nervous about the new replacement teacher. They’ve got big shoes to fill.
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Download a free transcript!
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TRANSCRIPT
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Beth
It's not small… it's big!
If you say something is a big deal, you think it's very important or serious.
You're moving to Australia? That's a big deal. I won't see you for ages!
A big fish in a small pond is a person who is important, or has a lot of influence, in a small group.
I manage a small team and I love it. I'd always rather be a big fish in a small pond.
The big picture or the bigger picture is everything related to a situation, like how the details affect everything else.
You earn a lot of money, but you work so many hours and you're always tired. You need to think about the big picture and take a rest.
And if you have big shoes to fill, you need to be as good as the person who had the same job or position before you.
I don't envy the person taking over my boss's job. Those are big shoes to fill.
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