small time

noun, (in vaudeville)
1.
a circuit of minor theaters giving three or more shows daily.
Origin
1920-25, Americanism

small-time

[smawl-tahym] /ˈsmɔlˈtaɪm/
adjective
1.
of modest or insignificant size, importance, or influence:
a small-time politician.
Origin
1910-15
Related forms
small-timer, noun
Examples from the web for small-time
  • It is standard practice in journalism, from the highest news organizations to small-time shops.
British Dictionary definitions for small-time

small-time

adjective
1.
(informal) insignificant; minor: a small-time criminal
Derived Forms
small-timer, noun
Word Origin and History for small-time
adj.

1910, originally theater slang for lower-salaried circuits, or ones requiring more daily performances; from noun phrase (also 1910). Cf. big time.

Slang definitions & phrases for small-time

small-time

adjective

Characteristic of the small time; inferior; petty; second-rate; bush league: a small-time political power (1910+ Show business)


Idioms and Phrases with small-time

small time

A modest or minor level of achievement, as in Her success took her out of the small time to prime-time television. This expression was originally used in vaudeville for second-rate theaters and productions. [ Early 1900s ]
Also see: big time, def. 2.