big enchilada

1. The most important or powerful person in a group, organization, business, or movement (e.g., the boss, leader, etc.). Primarily heard in US. I think it sounds like a great idea, but you'll have to ask the big enchilada first. He's the big enchilada of the recording industry—no one wields more influence than him. I'm the big enchilada around here, so you have to do what I say.

2. An object or goal of great value, importance, or consequence. Primarily heard in US. We only need to win two more games in the tournament to take home the big enchilada. I know my past inventions haven't wowed people, but this one here, this is the big enchilada! This is the one that's gonna make me a millionaire! You've gotta have a decent prize as the big enchilada, or else people will lose interest in the contest.

See also: big, enchilada

big enchilada

see under big cheese.

See also: big, enchilada

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

the big enchilada

a person or thing of great importance. North American informal

See also: big, enchilada

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

the big enchiˈlada

(American English, informal, humorous) the most important person or thing: New Hampshire is the big enchilada in American politics.

An enchilada is a Mexican dish with meat and a spicy sauce.

See also: big, enchilada

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

big enchilada

(...ɛntʃəˈlɑdə)

n. the boss; the leader. (see also big cheese.) The big enchilada has sent word that it’s safe to return.

See also: big, enchilada

See also:

References in periodicals archive

So the big enchilada question has been, "How do you identify, recruit and groom the next generation of leaders to continue the legacy of the disability rights movement, now that the 'Formica and chrome kitchen table has been relegated to the shabby chic outlets?" In addition, "How do you field a single A-team of disability leaders that will be called up to the big leagues?

Blue Hens, kitchen tables and the grooming of future leaders

Just when I'd fall asleep thinking about being a game away from playing in January for the big enchilada, the Ghost of Duck Failures Past would waddle into my dream: "This is Oregon," he'd quack.

We must remember to dream big

This year, in the Big Enchilada, they are expected to cough up three or four times that amount.

California's Knightmare

But the big enchilada for the contest was Armon Fletcher, who proved why he was selected pre-season All-MVC last fall.

SIU men's basketball SIU heats up to top Sycamores

In the afterward (Appreciation) Julie offers the "big enchilada" to parents, therapists, family members and especially to the "sibs,"--"since you acknowledged that his feelings are OK to have, he's more than likely not to have them anymore." Julie offers that this acknowledgment is the inspiration for the book.

"Well, when is someday?"

Americans assume it is terribly painful to have once been a big enchilada and now be a mere taquito.

The Care and Feeding of Ex Celebrities

Then they reminded us that they are image-conscious voters inclined to bestow the big enchilada on movies with

The mother of all Oscar races

So, ODOT may figure if it can't provide the big enchilada, it can at least give the cities some sauce with freshly made freeway signs.

DRIVERS LED ASTRAY BY I-5 SIGNS