big league

US: (big′lēg′)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

big′ league′, 

1. Sport See major league. 
2. Often, big leagues. [Informal.] the area of greatest competition, highest achievement or rewards, etc.:
   He's a local politician who isn't ready for the big league.
• 1895–1900

big-league  (big′lēg′), adj. 

1. Sport of or belonging to a major league:
   a big-league pitcher.
2. Informal Terms among the largest, foremost, etc., of its kind:
   the big-league steel companies.

• adjective, adjectival use of big league 1895–1900