big time

noun
1.
Informal. the highest or most important level in any profession or occupation:
She's a talented violinist, but she's not ready for the big time.
2.
Slang. a very good time.
3.
Theater. (in vaudeville) any highly successful circuit of theaters that produces two performances daily.
Origin
1860-65, Americanism
Related forms
big-time, adjective
big-timer, noun
British Dictionary definitions for big time

big time

noun
1.
(informal)
  1. the big time, the highest or most profitable level of an occupation or profession, esp the entertainment business
  2. (as modifier): a big-time comedian
Derived Forms
big-timer, noun
Word Origin and History for big time
n.

"upper reaches of a profession or pursuit," c.1910 from vaudeville slang; the phrase was common in colloquial use late 19c.-early 20c. in a broad range of senses: "party, shindig, fun, frolic."

Slang definitions & phrases for big time

big time

adjective

Important; notable: My book was big-time (1910+)

adverb

Very much; totally: Where does it say that a congressman has the right to be on the take big time?/ It sticks big-time to any smooth surface (1970s+ Army)

[ultimately fr the outdated theater sense]


Idioms and Phrases with big time

big time

.
An enjoyable or exciting time, as in The children came home exhausted but happy; they really had a big time at the circus. [ Mid-1800s ]
.
The highest or most important level in any enterprise, as in I knew that when I made it through the last audition, I was finally in the big time. [ ; c. 1900 ]
Also see: big league