big-time
big-time — adverb
1. to a very high level, or in a way that involves a lot of money, people, or atten
to a very high level, or in a way that involves a lot of money, people, or attention
Local shops benefited big-time when the music festival came to town.
benefit big-time = to a very large extent
The company expanded big-time after opening three new factories overseas.
expand big-time = on a large scale
We messed up big-time by sending the tickets to the wrong hotel.
Ticket sales jumped big-time once the singer posted the video online.
文法句型
benefit big-time
expand big-time
mess up big-time
用法筆記
Common after the verb in spoken or journalistic English. It can mean either to a very strong degree or on a very large scale, depending on the situation.
big-time — noun
1. the stage of a career where someone becomes widely known and highly successful,
the stage of a career where someone becomes widely known and highly successful, especially in public life or entertainment
After one hit film, Adina felt she was entering the big time.
enter the big time
Years of local radio work finally brought Baraka into the big time.
bring someone into the big time
That TV contract gave Hui a real shot at the big time.
Even after the big time, Layla still thanked every stagehand by name.
- stardom
focuses more on fame, especially in entertainment
- the major leagues
more sports-based and more competitive in tone
- success
broader and less idiomatic
- obscurity
for being little known
文法句型
reach the big time
break into the big time
a shot at the big time
用法筆記
Usually appears as the big time rather than without an article. It often suggests public success that many people can see, not just private achievement.
常見錯誤
big-time — adjective
1. connected with the most successful, powerful, or important part of a field
connected with the most successful, powerful, or important part of a field
A big-time investor backed Constanza's shoe company last year.
big-time + investor
The town hired a big-time coach before the national tournament.
big-time + role noun
Christopher dreams of becoming a big-time lawyer in Taipei someday.
The podcast landed a big-time guest for its first live show.
- top-level
more neutral and less informal
- high-profile
stresses public attention more than power
- major
broader and less vivid in tone
- small-time
for limited influence or status
文法句型
a big-time investor
a big-time coach
a big-time guest
用法筆記
Usually comes before a noun and often describes people, organizations, or events with wide influence. Distinguish it from the adverb sense, which modifies an action instead.