big hitter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “big hitter” mean?
A person or thing that is very important, influential, or successful, especially one that has a powerful effect or impact.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that is very important, influential, or successful, especially one that has a powerful effect or impact.
In sports (e.g., golf, baseball), a player who can hit the ball very hard or far. In business or politics, a powerful, high-ranking, or highly effective individual.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term with similar meanings. In the US, the baseball/golf sports metaphor is more immediately recognisable. In the UK, the sports link is often to cricket or golf.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same core connotations of power and importance. In US business contexts, it might be slightly more colloquial.
Frequency
Common in both, particularly in business journalism and commentary. Slightly more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “big hitter” in a Sentence
[be/ become] a big hitter in [field/industry][bring in/ recruit] the big hitters[one of/ among] the big hittersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “big hitter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a top executive, investor, or company that dominates a market or deal. 'The merger talks involved all the big hitters from Silicon Valley.'
Academic
Rare. Could metaphorically describe a leading scholar or theorist in a field.
Everyday
Used to describe anyone locally successful or influential. 'He's a big hitter in our local tennis league.'
Technical
In sports coaching/analysis, used literally for players with powerful strikes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “big hitter”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “big hitter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “big hitter”
- Using it as an adjective (*'a big hitter company'). Use as a noun: 'a big hitter in the industry'.
- Confusing it with 'big shot', which is more about arrogance/status than proven power/impact.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and best suited for business journalism, commentary, and spoken English. In formal reports, use 'key player' or 'major participant'.
They are virtually identical synonyms. 'Heavy hitter' is perhaps slightly more common in American English.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically for organizations. E.g., 'Google is a big hitter in online advertising.'
Not inherently. It is generally a compliment implying power and success. However, context matters—it could imply excessive aggression in some nuanced contexts.
A person or thing that is very important, influential, or successful, especially one that has a powerful effect or impact.
Big hitter: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈhɪt.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈhɪt̬.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “punch above one's weight (related concept)”
- “bring out the big guns (similar strategy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a baseball player (a HITTER) who is physically BIG and hits home runs every time. This BIG HITTER wins games and is therefore very important.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE/INFLUENCE IS PHYSICAL SIZE AND FORCE. Business/politics is a sport where impactful actions are powerful hits.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'big hitter' LEAST likely to be used?