campus
big man on campus
A very well-known and influential male student, usually in college. The phrase can be used derisively, especially when aimed at someone deemed conceited. All the girls swooned as the big man on campus walked by on his way to football practice. Jake acts as if he's the big man on campus, but none of the popular kids actually know who he is. We'll definitely get into this party if we're with the big man on campus!
See also: big, campus, man, on
big woman on campus
A very well-known and influential female student, usually in college. The phrase can be used derisively, especially when aimed at someone deemed conceited. All the guys turned to look as the big woman on campus walked by on her way to the library. Jill acts as if she's the big woman on campus, but none of the popular kids actually know who she is. We'll definitely get into this party if we're with the big woman on campus!
See also: big, campus, on, woman
off campus
Outside of a university's or college's campus. Hyphenated if used before a noun. I liked living in the dorm rooms for my first semester of college, but I'm looking forward to living off campus for a while. The only bank we can is used is about 15 miles off campus.
See also: campus, off
on campus
On the grounds of a university's or college's campus. Hyphenated if used before a noun. I thought living in the dorms would be fun, but I really didn't like living on campus. The university boasts a huge range of on-campus services and amenities.
See also: campus, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
big man on campus
Sl. an important male college student. (Often derisive or jocular.) Hank acts like such a big man on campus. Let some big man on campus do the dirty work for a change.
See also: big, campus, man, on
*off campus
not located or present on the grounds of a college or university. (*Typically: be ~; live ~; move~.) Tom has an apartment off campus. The dean is off campus and cannot be reached.
See also: campus, off
on campus
located or being on the grounds of a college or university. Do you live on campus or off campus? I don't think that Lisa is on campus right now.
See also: campus, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
big man on campus
n. an important male college student. (See more examples at BMOC.) Hank acts like such a big man on campus!
See also: big, campus, man, on
big woman on campus
n. an important female college student. (See more examples at BWOC.) Helen acts like such a big woman on campus!
See also: big, campus, on, woman
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- big man on campus
- big woman on campus
- BMOC
- BWOC
- made in China
- better luck next time
- flyover
- flyover country
- flyover states
- dancer