Here's a breakdown of its meaning and variations:
Literal:
* It can literally refer to a large fish, but this is rarely used in everyday speech.
Figurative:
* A big fish in a small pond: This describes someone who is powerful or important within a small, limited environment.
* Big fish, small pond: This is a similar idiom that emphasizes the limited scope of the person's power.
* A big fish eats smaller fish: This implies that the powerful person can exert dominance over others.
* To be a big fish: This means to be a powerful, influential, or important person within a group or organization.
Example:
* "The new CEO is a big fish in the tech industry, with years of experience at major companies."
* "He might be a big fish in a small pond at this university, but he'll need to prove himself in the real world."
Similar Idioms:
* Big shot
* Big wig
* Heavy hitter
* Top dog
* VIP (Very Important Person)
The idiom "a big fish" conveys a sense of power and influence, often within a specific context.