A Big Fish In A Little Pond

Pronunciation: /ə bɪɡ fɪʃ ɪn ə ˈlɪtəl pɑnd/

Definitions of a big fish in a little pond

noun a body of water that is smaller in size or scope

Example Sentences

A1 He is a big fish in a little pond at his small hometown.

A2 She always felt like a big fish in a little pond in her high school.

B1 After moving to the city, he realized he was just a big fish in a little pond back home.

B2 The CEO of the company was used to being a big fish in a little pond before expanding globally.

C1 Despite his success in the local market, he knew he would be a big fish in a little pond if he didn't challenge himself further.

C2 Having conquered the industry in his country, he was now seeking new challenges to avoid being just a big fish in a little pond.

adjective describing the size of the fish as being large

Example Sentences

A1 He is a big fish in a little pond at his small town high school.

A2 She felt like a big fish in a little pond when she moved from the city to a rural village.

B1 The CEO of the local company was used to being a big fish in a little pond until he expanded globally.

B2 After years of dominating the local music scene, the band realized they were just a big fish in a little pond compared to international acts.

C1 The renowned scientist, who was once considered a big fish in a little pond in his field, sought new challenges in a larger research community.

C2 Having been a big fish in a little pond for so long, the artist struggled to adapt to the competitive nature of the art world in a major city.

Examples of a big fish in a little pond in a Sentence

formal He was used to being a big fish in a little pond at his small hometown university.

informal Back in high school, she was always a big fish in a little pond.

slang He's like a big fish in a little pond when he's at the local bar showing off his pool skills.

figurative In the world of indie filmmaking, she was considered a big fish in a little pond.

Grammatical Forms of a big fish in a little pond

• past tense: was a big fish in a little pond
• plural: big fish in little ponds
• comparative: bigger fish in a smaller pond
• superlative: biggest fish in the smallest pond
• present tense: is a big fish in a little pond
• future tense: will be a big fish in a little pond
• perfect tense: has been a big fish in a little pond
• continuous tense: is being a big fish in a little pond
• singular: a big fish in a little pond
• positive degree: big fish in a little pond
• infinitive: to be a big fish in a little pond
• gerund: being a big fish in a little pond
• participle: a big fish in a little pond

Origin and Evolution of a big fish in a little pond

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'a big fish in a little pond' likely originated from the idea of a large fish being dominant in a small body of water, symbolizing someone who is important or successful in a small or limited environment.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase has come to represent someone who is influential or powerful in a limited or less competitive setting, often implying that they may not be as successful in a larger or more challenging environment.