big fish in a little pond vs big fish in a small pond

Both phrases 'big fish in a little pond' and 'big fish in a small pond' are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the idea of someone being important or successful in a small or less competitive environment. The choice between 'little' and 'small' is a matter of personal preference, as both versions are widely accepted.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 726 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe someone who is important or successful in a small or less competitive environment.

"big fish in a little pond"

This phrase is used to convey the idea of someone being a prominent figure in a limited or less challenging setting.

Examples:

He was a big fish in a little pond at his previous company.
She enjoys being a big fish in a little pond rather than a small fish in a big pond.

Show examples from the web [+]

And would you rather him be a big fish in a little pond or a little fish in a big pond?
I spent a lot of time becoming the big fish in my little pond.
I'm the only big fish left in their little pond.
Look, you are in my little pond now, and I am the big fish that runs it.
He was a huge fish in this dinky little pond.
So Ryan got promoted to corporate where he is a little fish in a big pond.
He was a huge fish in this dinky little pond.
Guess it's typical for them having an exotic stuff like a sheat-fish in their little pond.
He's a big fish in a dysfunctional small pond.
So, Penzer is a big fish in a small pond.
Check the sink with the big fish in it.
The term 'loins' is used as a synonym for fillets of big fish in the Combined Nomenclature.
I mean, it's one thing to be a big fish in the small pond that is Capeside.
And I'm sick of being a big fish in a rain puddle.
It pretty much works with any big fish in the ocean, so here we go.
I'm just a little fish in a big pond full of much bigger sharks.
We lived in a house in Beverly Hills that had a little pond and a bridge and goldfish.
We want jamie to be a big fish in a big pond.
Don't be too impressed, though. I just went from being a big fish in a small pond To a minnow in the atlantic.
As long as you stay, you're a big fish in a small pond and can blame everyone for holding you back.

Alternatives:

big fish in a small pond

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to convey the idea of someone being important or successful in a small or less competitive environment.

"big fish in a small pond"

This phrase is used to describe a person who stands out in a limited or less challenging context.

Examples:

He's a big fish in a small pond in his hometown.
She prefers to be a big fish in a small pond rather than a small fish in a big pond.

Show examples from the web [+]

So, Penzer is a big fish in a small pond.
Don't be too impressed, though. I just went from being a big fish in a small pond To a minnow in the atlantic.
See, in Reno, we'll be a big fish in a small pond.
Big fish in a small pond, or small fish in a big pond?
As long as you stay, you're a big fish in a small pond and can blame everyone for holding you back.
He's a big fish in a dysfunctional small pond.
Positive their forensic know-how and advanced skill set would make them a big fish in a small-but-lucrative pond only to find themselves consistently trumped by a large fish of another kind by the name of Cod. Emerson Cod.
I mean, it's one thing to be a big fish in the small pond that is Capeside.
Big frog in a small pond.
The stream next to it runs a few hundred yards and ends in a small pond.
There's plenty more fish in the small pond.
There is a small pond in our garden.
Check the sink with the big fish in it.
Agent McCallan was burned in a small electrical fire.
Haematuria/ proteinuria occurred in a small number of patients.
She can't do in a small town.
Big fish for a small station.
So what if he drools a small pond?
The term 'loins' is used as a synonym for fillets of big fish in the Combined Nomenclature.
And I'm sick of being a big fish in a rain puddle.

Alternatives:

big fish in a little pond

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big fish in a little pond vs big fish in a small pond