the big enchilada
noun phrase
US, informal
: the most important issue, person, etc.
She's won many awards for her writing in the past, but this one is the big enchilada.
Cite this Entry
“The big enchilada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20big%20enchilada. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.
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