big enchilada

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, South Africa. I think it sounds like a great idea, but you'll have to ask the big enchilada first.
2. An object or goal of great value, importance, or consequence. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. We only need to win two more games in the tournament to take home the big enchilada.
See also: big, enchilada
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

big enchilada

see under big cheese.
See also: big, enchilada
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

the big enchilada

a person or thing of great importance. North American informal
See also: big, enchilada
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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

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
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • a big kahuna
  • big kahuna
  • grand poobah
  • a member for Barkshire
  • a plum in (one's) mouth
  • a plum in your mouth
  • double Dutch
  • be streets ahead
  • blues and twos
  • Sounds like a winner!
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?
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.
This year, in the Big Enchilada, they are expected to cough up three or four times that amount.
But these stories are small change compared to the Big Enchilada of accidental Nexis publicity.
But the big enchilada for the contest was Armon Fletcher, who proved why he was selected pre-season All-MVC last fall.
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.
Americans assume it is terribly painful to have once been a big enchilada and now be a mere taquito.
Then they reminded us that they are image-conscious voters inclined to bestow the big enchilada on movies with
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.