play in the big leagues
play in the big leagues
To work, compete, or participate in an area, echelon, or sphere of exceptional success, ability, power, achievement, etc. Refers to major (i.e., "big") leagues of sports teams. I know you're new here, but you need to perform much better than that. You're playing in the big leagues now. These aren't petty small-town squabbles you're involved in anymore, Senator—you're playing in the big leagues.
See also: big, league, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
play in the big leagues
Fig. to be involved in something of large or important proportions. (Alludes to playing a professional sport at the highest level.) You had better shape up if you want to play in the big leagues. The conductor shouted at the oboist, "You're playing in the big leagues now. Tune up or ship out."
See also: big, league, play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
play in the big leagues
in. to become involved in something of large or important proportions. The conductor shouted at the oboist, “You’re playing in the big leagues now. Tune up or ship out.”
See also: big, league, play
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- big league
- big leagues
- major league(s)
- bushel
- a bad apple spoils the (whole) barrel
- a rotten apple spoils the (whole) barrel
- a rotten apple spoils the (whole) bunch
- a rotten apple spoils the (whole) bushel
- it takes one bad apple to spoil the (whole) barrel
- it takes one bad apple to spoil the (whole) bunch