big enchilada
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A very important person, especially the highest-ranking individual in an organization.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The detectives were trying to identify the big enchilada who controlled the entire criminal network.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Some item of high value, especially a top prize or reward.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “big enchilada” mean?
A very important person, especially the highest-ranking individual in an organization.
Is “big enchilada” formal or informal?
big enchilada is generally slang.