the big boys
plural noun
informal
: the most powerful people or companies
He'll have to work pretty hard if he wants to compete with the big boys in the industry.
Examples of the big boys in a Sentence
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As a smaller company, Moolah faces the constant threat of being overwhelmed by the big boys in the business, and has less flexibility to absorb the impact of new tariffs.
—
David Waldstein, Twin Cities, 25 July 2025
Yes, the big boys are my final group of breakout candidates.
—Jake Ciely, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Embracing the sweet science and cerebral nature in this battle of the big boys is the essence of his coaching style.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 2 June 2025
With the English top flight due to start on August 16, any tour plans involving the big boys will be geared towards the end of July rather than the middle of the month.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 May 2025
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David Waldstein, Twin Cities, 25 July 2025
Yes, the big boys are my final group of breakout candidates.
—Jake Ciely, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Embracing the sweet science and cerebral nature in this battle of the big boys is the essence of his coaching style.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 2 June 2025
With the English top flight due to start on August 16, any tour plans involving the big boys will be geared towards the end of July rather than the middle of the month.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the big boys
Cite this Entry
“The big boys.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20big%20boys. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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