hits the big time
Achieves major success
To hit the big time is to achieve major success or fame, especially after a period of obscurity or struggle.
The phrase implies arrival at a level of recognition or wealth that separates someone from ordinary achievers: She hit the big time with her third album.
Often used with slight irony for modest successes: We've really hit the big time now—free coffee in the break room.
- accomplishmentSuccessful completion of aim
- stardomCelebrity status achieved
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- red carpetCeremonial welcome flooring
- phenomenonExtraordinary observable occurrence
breakthrough · rags to riches · triumph · acclaim · prosperity · living the dream · renown · legacy · spotlight · name in lights · fame and fortune · prestige · making it · made it big · overnight success · trendsetter · icon · ambition
hits the big timecrashes and burns
Fails in dramatic fashion
flops · bombs · falls flat · washes out · goes nowhere
hits, hitting, hitter, hitters, bigger, biggest, bigness, time, times