make it big

Definition & Meaning of "[make] it big"

to make it big

to reach a great level of fame and success

What is the origin of the idiom "make it big" and when to use it?

The idiom is believed to have originated in the early 1900s, when it was used to describe people who had made a lot of money in the entertainment industry. The term "big" in this context refers to the size of the paycheck that these people were able to command. Over time, the term "make it big" has come to be used more broadly to describe anyone who has achieved a high level of success in their chosen field, including athletes, musicians, actors, politicians, or even entrepreneurs.

Example

"The entertainment industry is notorious for its shady dealings, and those who want to make it big must be willing to get their hands dirty, as muck and money go together," said the aspiring actor to his friend.

Many aspiring actors and actresses dream of making it big in la-la land.

Michael Jordan made it big as a basketball player.