Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

a big fish in a small pond

idiom

/ə bɪɡ fɪʃ ɪn ə smɔl pɑnd/

Definition

A person who is important or influential in a small group but insignificant in a larger context.

Examples

In his hometown, he is a big fish in a small pond, but when he moved to the city, he realized he was just another face in the crowd.
She held a prominent position at her local club, feeling like a big fish in a small pond, even though she struggled to make her mark in the national arena.

Meaning

This phrase describes someone who has a sense of superiority or is well-known within a limited environment, yet would not hold the same status in a larger or more competitive setting.