big shot
Someone with clout
A big shot is an important or influential person, especially someone with power in business, politics, or entertainment.
The term often carries a hint of mockery—suggesting the person is self-important or that their status is being viewed skeptically: He acts like he's some big shot around here.
Also big-shot as an adjective: a big-shot lawyer.
Influential industry leader
- tycoonDominant industrial leader
- magnateWealthy business leader
- powerbrokerWielder of political influence
- kingmakerPolitical influence wielder
heavyweight · executive · director · chief · boss · captain · commander · authority
Notable, for short
- dignitaryPerson of high rank
- notableWorthy of attention
- luminaryInspiring figure or celestial body
- personageDistinguished or prominent individual
somebody · name · eminence · grandee · high-roller · pillar of society · leading light · upper crust
Ruler through wealth
- millionairePerson possessing great wealth
- billionairePerson worth ten figures
- financierManager of substantial funds
- industrialistMajor manufacturing business owner
baron · fat cat · moneybags · deep pockets · oil baron · titan · captain of industry · robber baron
Luminous astronomical object
- superstarExceptionally famous performer
- megastarExceptionally famous entertainer
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- headlinerTop-billed performer
household name · famous face · A-lister · public figure · newsmaker · media darling · glitterati · sensation
mogul
Influential industry leader
- tycoonDominant industrial leader
- magnateWealthy business leader
- powerbrokerWielder of political influence
kingmaker · heavyweight · executive · director · chief · boss · captain · commander · authority · leader
VIP
Notable, for short
personage · somebody · name · eminence · grandee · high-roller · pillar of society · leading light · upper crust · elite
plutocrat
Ruler through wealth
- millionairePerson possessing great wealth
- billionairePerson worth ten figures
- financierManager of substantial funds
industrialist · baron · fat cat · moneybags · deep pockets · oil baron · titan · captain of industry · robber baron · nouveau riche
star
Luminous astronomical object
- superstarExceptionally famous performer
- megastarExceptionally famous entertainer
- iconPictorial screen symbol
headliner · household name · famous face · A-lister · public figure · newsmaker · media darling · glitterati · sensation · toast of the town
- combat idiomsstab in the back, dodge a bullet, in the crosshairs, fire away, under the gun
- bigwigsVIP, heavy hitter, top dog, honcho, head honcho
- bossesboss, bossman, manager, supervisor, foreman
- notablesleaders, celebrities, dignitary, rulers, VIPs
- reputationreputation, reputable, bad reputation, repute, disreputable
- Fame Idiomsin the spotlight, center stage, in the limelight, household name, rising star
big shotnobody
Inconsequential person
nonentity · small fry · little guy · lightweight · cipher
big shotnobody
Inconsequential person
lightweight · small potatoes · small-timer · minion · underling
big, shot, bigger, biggest, hotshot, long shot, bigwig, highborn, high-ranking