big wheel: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "big wheel" has a long history and is believed to have originated from the literal sense of a large, rotating wheel. Used metaphorically, it refers to a person who holds a position of power or influence.

When we say someone is a "big wheel," we are describing them as important or influential within a particular sphere. For example, we might say "he's a big wheel in the entertainment industry" or "she's a big wheel in the corporate world." This idiom suggests that the person is a central figure, someone with significant authority and control over others.

While the exact origins of the idiom are unclear, one theory suggests that it may have been inspired by the prominent water wheels that were commonly used in mills during the 16th and 17th centuries. These large wheels were essential for powering the machinery and played a crucial role in the production process. Given their size and importance, they became a symbol of power and influence.

Another possible explanation for the idiom's origin comes from the world of gambling. In many traditional casino games, such as roulette or the wheel of fortune, there is often a large wheel that is spun to determine the outcome. In this context, the idea of a "big wheel" would refer to the person controlling or overseeing the game, someone who has the ability to manipulate or influence the outcome in their favor.

Over time, the idiom "big wheel" has become firmly established in everyday language. It is used in a wide range of contexts to describe individuals who have achieved a high level of success or authority. The idiom has also been incorporated into various idiomatic expressions, such as "the big wheel keeps turning" or "climbing the corporate ladder to become a big wheel."

Despite its popularity, the idiom "big wheel" is not commonly used in formal or academic writing. It is more often found in informal or colloquial settings, where the speaker seeks to convey a sense of admiration or respect for someone with significant influence or power. The idiom can also be used in a slightly derogatory manner to imply that the person is arrogant or overly self-important. Regardless of the specific connotation, the use of the idiom "big wheel" highlights our enduring fascination with power, influence, and the hierarchy of individuals within society.

The idiom "big wheel" is related to several other idioms that share a similar theme of power and influence. Specifically, the idioms "at the wheel", "big cheese", "big gun", "big fish", and "big shot" all convey the idea of someone who holds a position of authority or importance.

The idiom "at the wheel" is often used to describe someone who is in control or in charge. It suggests that the person has the power to steer or guide a situation or enterprise. For example, we might say "Sarah is at the wheel of the company, leading it to success."

The idiom "big cheese" is another term used to refer to a person in a position of power or authority. It suggests that the person is highly influential and holds a position of significance within a particular group or organization. We might say "John is the big cheese of the marketing department, making all the important decisions."

Similarly, the idioms "big gun", "big fish", and "big shot" all imply a person who is important or influential. These idioms highlight someone who has achieved a high level of success and commands respect and admiration from others.

It is worth noting that while these idioms share a similar theme, they are not interchangeable. Each idiom has its own unique connotations and usage. However, they all contribute to a broader understanding of power dynamics and the role of influential individuals within society.

The idiom "big wheel" originated from the literal sense of a large, rotating wheel and is now used metaphorically to describe a person who holds a position of power or influence. The idiom reflects our ongoing fascination with power dynamics and the role of influential individuals in various areas of life. It is related to several other idioms, such as "at the wheel", "big cheese", "big gun", "big fish", and "big shot", all of which convey similar themes of authority and importance.