big boy

plural big boys

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see big, boy.
2. idiomaticA large object or person.

   I've been dying to get behind the wheel of this big boy.

3. idiomaticinformalA male child who is considered mature enough for some purpose.

   You're a big boy now, and big boys go to school.

4. idiomaticinformalAn adult male, considered to be sufficiently mature and independent.

   Coordinate term: big girl

   1 more example

   He is a big boy and can take care of himself.

5. plural normallyOne who is in a dominant position, such as in business, elite sport, etc.

   He started a small manufacturing plant, but he couldn't compete with the big boys.

   1 more example

   The prize now for Larne is massive… something in the region of £3million. They are the envy of every other Irish League club by forcing their way in with the big boys in the UEFA Conference League.

   2024 August 29, Alex Mills, “Larne headed for Conference League group stages as Andy Ryan hat-trick secures historic Play-Off joy”, in Belfast Telegraph