hit the big time

hit the big time

To become very famous or successful. Though she'd been acting for years, it was after her role in last summer's blockbuster that she finally hit the big time.
See also: big, hit, time
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • damned if I/you/they do, damned if I/you don't
  • a mystery to (one)
  • shake the dust of (something or some place) from (one's) feet
  • shake the dust of somewhere from your feet
  • a big shot
  • show one's face, to
  • bojangling
  • only too
  • only too glad, ready, etc.
  • only too well
References in periodicals archive
A few Albanians have hit the big time in Europe's top leagues.
Albania 3 threat to Scots
A CHAMPIONSHIP footballer has hit the big time after winning a millionaire lottery raffle back home in Ireland.
Footy star takes lotto jackpot; NEWS WIRE
Fallon hit the big time in 1997 when joining the late Sir Henry Cecil as stable jockey.
Fallon retires
Zac Efron is a DJ |out to hit the big time We Are Your Friends comes across like a somewhat more dramatic version of Entourage and, while there's never any doubt where it's all heading, it's a fitfully amusing drama.
WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS (15) ....
Steve Strange, right, posing with friends showing off their new punk | in Cardiff, 1976, before he hit the big time
Stylish stars of stage, screen and streets
Jade, Noel, Raz and Andre hit the big time with songs like Forever, Love Guaranteed and Ghetto Romance, so expect to hear all of those if you've got a ticket for their Tyneside gig.
90s boybands quiz - how many acts can you remember from pop yesteryear? Damage are on at O2 Academy Newcastle on Saturday night but they weren't the only boyband around in the 90s; Damage are on at O2 Academy Newcastle on Saturday night but they weren't the only boyband around in the 90s
I've often wondered what I might demand in my dressing room if I ever hit the big time. Lorry loads of champagne and the world's best steak and chips spring to mind.
Guess who says Carl's Pharr out?
The former world number one said she was encouraged by her early season resurgence and was eyeing a return to the top 10 after struggling to hit the big time since winning the 2008 French Open.
Ivanovic blames QF loss to 'emotionally draining' thrilling win against Serena
Now he's determined to use tomorrow night's Champions League clash to hit the big time again.
Devlin: This isn't first time I've faced Fraser
Shy Little Voice is extraordinarily good at impersonating them, but is she ready to hit the big time? AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, 01902 429212, Today.
BEST OF REST
Egyptian funnyman, Ahmed Helmy, has been making his mark back home for some time but the actor hit the big time when he decided to star in Arab movie, 'Ala Jithiti' (Over My Dead Body) last year.
Ahmed Helmy looks to Canada to rake in the big bucks
On the red carpet in London on Monday he donned angel wings and gave advice on how to hit the big time.
Keith Lemon's bang tidy advice on how to get famous
Sebastian Bergman BBC Four, tonight, 9pm The Beeb hit the big time when it broadcast the original, Danish version of The Killing.
Satellite smasher
SAM ALLARDYCE has told troubled starlet Ravel Morrison: "It's up to you whether you hit the big time or not."
Allardyce Ravs up the pressure
Then he hit the big time with TV's Opportunity Knocks.
Freddie brings his brand of madcap fun