a big frog in a small pond
A situation in which one person has more power, influence, knowledge, or experience than others within a small group. It often implies that the person may not have as much clout in "a bigger pond," i.e., a larger group or arena of some kind. Since she was so popular and well-known within the walls of her small high school, Jennifer was used to being a big frog in a small pond. Once she started attending a large state university, however, she suddenly realized that it would take a lot more effort to make friends. His coarse management style has made it evident that he was used to being a big frog in a small pond. That attitude certainly won't be tolerated by anyone at his new company. I'd rather be a big frog in a small pond than move to New York City and be a nobody!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
big frog in a small pond
an important person in the midst of less important people. (Alludes to a large frog that dominates a small pond with few challengers.) I'd rather be a big frog in a small pond than the opposite. The trouble with Tom is that he's a big frog in a small pond. He needs more competition.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
frog in a small pond
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.
a big frog in a small pond
AMERICANIf someone is
a big frog in a small pond, they are one of the most important and influential people in a small organization or group.
He liked being a big frog in a small pond. Note: The usual British expression for this is
a big fish in a small pond.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012