big year

big year

1. A particularly fortuitous, beneficial, or productive year. It's been a big year for our company: we've grown from a minor start-up to a real contender in the market.
2. A birding competition or undertaking in which one attempts to identify as many unique species of birds as possible within a calendar year, often within a specific geographical area. We might not win any cash or prizes, but the local big year offers a unique chance to improve my birding techniques.
See also: big, year
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • year in, (and) year out
  • year in, year out
  • ring out the old and ring in the new
  • year round
  • by the year
  • calendar
  • calendar year
  • the turn of the year
  • year on year
  • year after year
References in periodicals archive
Mackin said: "I wanted the win to set up a big year for me next year and we'll see where that goes.
MACKLIN EYES 4th TITLE SHOT; irish boxing
The 16 candidates are competing in the Your Big Year prize to become a world ambassador for Liverpool by working on international voluntary projects.
Young people fight for the world title
The unique prize is up for grabs in a competition called Your Big Year that will benefit dozens of charities.
Travel fans can scoop global prize
Bruce said: "Waghorn and Colback, this is a big year for them.
Monster League getting tougher; football ROUND-UP
"I think 2007 will be a big year for Paul, the year he makes his breakthrough," said coach Peter Cope.
Seconds out
'We've both got a big year ahead, and we thought, just for this year, we'd give each other some time to grow
The Razz: Orlando's blow to girl fans
"This looks like being Pat's big year - the year he walks out of Gay's shadow.
Pat beats Gay in chat war
"It's been a big year and I'm incredibly proud of what the boys have achieved."
READ AIN'T HALF HOT
Chris founded travel companies Camp Leaders and Smaller Earth before he launched Your Big Year in 2010.
Travel boss with vision to create a generation of world leaders; BIG INTERVIEW: Alistair Houghton talks to Chris Arnold, founder of travel firms Camp Leaders and Smaller Ear th
LEADING ethical travel company responsible travel.com has seen a big year on year increase in 'holistic and wellbeing' holidays.
Wellbeing hols on up
Reading head of youth football Brendan Rodgers said: 'It is really unfortunate as it is a big year for him.
Soccer shorts: BELL TOILS
A teenager is looking forward to a big year when she becomes the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Northum-berland 2004.
A flying start for top cadet
john bishop's big year BBC1 9.30pm There are laughs aplenty as the comedian looks back at the past year with clips and sketches.
3 TO SEE; December 7 FRIDAY
Paul Gardner, from Kirkby, secured his place in Your Big Year by filming a three minute video to support the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
STUDENT'S VIDEO BID TO WIN A 'BIG YEAR' Paul, 26, reaches final of global competition
It promises to be a big year for the 160-year-old Rock Ferry based club with the famous Mersey Mylnes celebrating their 70th birthday.
SAILING: Etchells increase