Idioms are like little language treasures that help us communicate with more depth, color, and flair—they add character to our conversations and allow us to express ideas in a way that feels both creative and meaningful. When we want to describe something or someone as important, these figurative expressions give us a more vivid and engaging way to do it, often with a touch of humor, wisdom, or poetic flair that makes our words stand out and connect more deeply.
Understanding idioms about importance can help you speak with more clarity and impact, especially when you’re trying to show how much something truly matters—whether it’s a person, a deadline, an event, or even just a really big deal in your day-to-day life. These idioms give us shortcuts to express significance, value, and priority without needing to explain everything literally, and they can instantly make your language feel more alive and confident.
So, if you’re ready to speak with more power and presence, this list of 51 idioms for “important” will not only expand your vocabulary but also help you recognize and emphasize the things that really count in a way that feels fun, smart, and totally natural.
Idioms for Important
1. Big cheese
Meaning: A person who holds a high rank or wields a lot of influence in a group, company, or situation.
In a Sentence: After the company restructured its leadership team, Marcus quickly became the big cheese everyone turned to for final decisions on major projects and high-stakes deals.
Other Ways to Say: The boss, Top dog, Head honcho
2. Top brass
Meaning: The most important people in an organization, often referring to high-ranking officials or executives.
In a Sentence: The top brass from headquarters flew in for the annual review, and their presence made it clear that this meeting was more than just routine—it was a moment that could shape the future of the entire department.
Other Ways to Say: Executives, Leadership team, High command
3. A big deal
Meaning: Something or someone that is considered very important or influential.
In a Sentence: When she was invited to speak at the international summit, it became obvious to everyone around her that she was kind of a big deal in her field and her voice truly carried weight.
Other Ways to Say: Highly valued, Prominent, Major player
4. Call the shots
Meaning: To be the person who makes all the important decisions or controls what happens.
In a Sentence: Even though he’s quiet during meetings, everyone knows he’s the one calling the shots behind the scenes and steering the company’s direction in a way only true leaders can.
Other Ways to Say: Be in charge, Have control, Run the show
5. Hold the reins
Meaning: To be in control of a situation or organization, especially when important decisions need to be made.
In a Sentence: Now that Maya holds the reins of the marketing team, she’s setting bold strategies and leading campaigns that are putting the company on the map in a major way.
Other Ways to Say: Take charge, Lead, Be at the helm
6. The real deal
Meaning: Someone or something that is authentic, highly skilled, and truly significant—not just pretending to be important.
In a Sentence: When she presented her ideas with such clarity and insight, we all realized she wasn’t just another intern—she was the real deal, and her contributions were making a real difference.
Other Ways to Say: Genuine, Legitimate, Truly impressive
7. Heavy hitter
Meaning: A person or organization with a lot of influence, power, or success, especially in a specific field.
In a Sentence: When three heavy hitters from the finance world joined the board, it became clear that the company was aiming for the big leagues and wouldn’t settle for small ambitions.
Other Ways to Say: Influential figure, Power player, High achiever
8. In the spotlight
Meaning: Receiving a lot of attention or focus, usually because of their importance or success.
In a Sentence: Ever since her breakthrough performance, she’s been in the spotlight, with everyone from fans to critics recognizing how crucial she is to the industry right now.
Other Ways to Say: Center of attention, Highly visible, In the public eye
9. Carry weight
Meaning: To have influence or importance, especially when someone’s opinion or decision is respected by others.
In a Sentence: His recommendation really carries weight with the hiring committee, so if he speaks highly of you, you’re almost guaranteed an interview.
Other Ways to Say: Have influence, Matter a lot, Be impactful
10. Big fish in a small pond
Meaning: An important or influential person within a limited or less competitive environment.
In a Sentence: Back in her hometown, she was a big fish in a small pond—everyone knew her name, her work was praised constantly, and people genuinely listened to her opinions.
Other Ways to Say: Local celebrity, Standout figure, Leading presence
11. Of great consequence
Meaning: Something that has serious importance or notable impact.
In a Sentence: The decision to close the community center was of great consequence, especially for families who relied on it for after-school programs and vital resources.
Other Ways to Say: Highly important, Significant, Deeply impactful
12. A big name
Meaning: Someone who is widely recognized and respected in a particular area or industry.
In a Sentence: She became a big name in the tech world after launching her groundbreaking app that changed how people communicate globally.
Other Ways to Say: Famous person, Respected figure, Household name
13. High-profile
Meaning: Receiving a lot of public attention, usually because of status or significance.
In a Sentence: The merger attracted high-profile media coverage because it involved two of the largest and most powerful companies in the industry.
Other Ways to Say: Widely known, Prominent, In the headlines
14. Make waves
Meaning: To cause a noticeable impact or stir, often by doing something bold or significant.
In a Sentence: His bold marketing strategies really made waves in the industry and forced competitors to step up their game to keep up.
Other Ways to Say: Create impact, Shake things up, Stand out
15. The main event
Meaning: The most important part of an activity or gathering.
In a Sentence: While the speeches were interesting, everyone knew the main event was the awards ceremony that honored the top innovators in the field.
Other Ways to Say: Highlight, The big moment, Main attraction
16. In a league of one’s own
Meaning: To be far superior or more impressive than others in a particular area.
In a Sentence: Her talent, dedication, and leadership placed her in a league of her own, where no one else could match her level of excellence.
Other Ways to Say: Unmatched, Peerless, One of a kind
17. Front and center
Meaning: Placed in the most important or visible position.
In a Sentence: During the press conference, the company’s CEO stood front and center to address the crisis, showing the public that leadership was taking the matter seriously.
Other Ways to Say: In the spotlight, At the forefront, Primary focus
18. A cornerstone
Meaning: Something or someone that is essential to the foundation or success of something.
In a Sentence: Her guidance has been the cornerstone of our community outreach program, and without her, it wouldn’t have achieved the same success or reach.
Other Ways to Say: Foundation, Essential part, Central element
19. Key player
Meaning: Someone who plays an important and influential role in a project, team, or situation.
In a Sentence: As negotiations progressed, it became clear that Jasmine was a key player in the peace talks and that her voice held sway on every major decision.
Other Ways to Say: Major contributor, Influencer, Important figure
20. Center of gravity
Meaning: The person or thing that everything else depends on or revolves around.
In a Sentence: Since the project began, Luis has been the center of gravity, the one everyone turns to for direction, answers, and inspiration.
Other Ways to Say: Anchor, Central force, Core figure
21. Key to the puzzle
Meaning: An essential part needed to understand or complete something.
In a Sentence: Her discovery was the key to the puzzle that helped solve the scientific mystery that had stumped researchers for years.
Other Ways to Say: Vital piece, Missing link, Critical clue
22. Noteworthy
Meaning: Deserving attention or recognition because of importance or significance.
In a Sentence: The report was filled with noteworthy insights that policymakers used to shape new environmental laws.
Other Ways to Say: Significant, Remarkable, Worth mentioning
23. Heavyweight
Meaning: A person or organization with great influence or status in a particular field.
In a Sentence: In the legal world, she’s considered a heavyweight—someone whose opinions influence courtrooms across the country.
Other Ways to Say: Major player, Big deal, Leading figure
24. The heart of the matter
Meaning: The most important part of an issue or topic.
In a Sentence: We discussed many ideas, but eventually, we had to get to the heart of the matter and focus on what was truly at stake.
Other Ways to Say: Core issue, Central point, Main concern
25. A hot topic
Meaning: A subject that is currently very important and widely discussed.
In a Sentence: Climate change has become a hot topic in politics and science, demanding immediate attention from every level of government.
Other Ways to Say: Trending issue, Major concern, Popular debate
26. Talk of the town
Meaning: Something or someone that everyone is discussing because of its significance or impact.
In a Sentence: After her powerful speech at the rally, she instantly became the talk of the town, with people praising her courage and leadership.
Other Ways to Say: Buzz-worthy, Widely discussed, Local celebrity
27. A force to be reckoned with
Meaning: A person or thing that is powerful and must be considered seriously.
In a Sentence: Don’t underestimate her—she may be quiet, but she’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to solving problems and getting results.
Other Ways to Say: Powerful presence, Serious contender, Strong influence
28. The backbone
Meaning: The most important support or strength of something.
In a Sentence: Teachers are truly the backbone of our education system, supporting every layer of learning and shaping the future one student at a time.
Other Ways to Say: Foundation, Central support, Essential strength
29. The crux of the issue
Meaning: The central, most important point in a discussion or problem.
In a Sentence: While there were many minor complaints, the crux of the issue was the lack of clear communication between departments.
Other Ways to Say: Main point, Core problem, Heart of the matter
30. A linchpin
Meaning: A key person or thing that holds everything together and ensures success.
In a Sentence: Without Jordan’s calm leadership and sharp decision-making, the team would’ve fallen apart—he was truly the linchpin of the whole operation.
Other Ways to Say: Key piece, Central element, Critical support
31. Carry the torch
Meaning: To continue supporting or upholding something important, often with passion and dedication.
In a Sentence: Even after the founder retired, his daughter carried the torch, keeping the organization’s mission alive with renewed energy and commitment.
Other Ways to Say: Keep the legacy alive, Continue the mission, Uphold values
32. Make a mark
Meaning: To have a lasting and meaningful impact on a situation or group.
In a Sentence: She made a mark on the industry by creating inclusive designs that changed how companies think about accessibility.
Other Ways to Say: Leave an impression, Create impact, Be influential
33. At the core
Meaning: Being at the very center of something important or meaningful.
In a Sentence: At the core of their success was a deep respect for teamwork and the belief that everyone’s voice deserved to be heard.
Other Ways to Say: Central, Foundational, Most important part
34. Play a pivotal role
Meaning: To be crucial or essential in the success or direction of something.
In a Sentence: Her research played a pivotal role in advancing the vaccine development process and saving countless lives.
Other Ways to Say: Be essential, Be central, Make a major difference
35. A household name
Meaning: Someone or something that is widely known and recognized as important by the public.
In a Sentence: After years of hard work and innovation, she finally became a household name across the country.
Other Ways to Say: Widely known, Recognizable figure, Publicly important
36. The golden key
Meaning: The most important or effective solution to a problem.
In a Sentence: Transparency turned out to be the golden key in rebuilding trust with the community after the crisis.
Other Ways to Say: Best solution, Ultimate answer, Perfect fix
37. Make headlines
Meaning: To be considered important enough to be reported in major news outlets.
In a Sentence: His unexpected resignation made headlines across the nation and sparked debate on leadership accountability.
Other Ways to Say: Get media attention, Be newsworthy, Be in the spotlight
38. Not to be taken lightly
Meaning: Describing something serious or very important that deserves attention and care.
In a Sentence: The safety regulations are not to be taken lightly—they are in place to protect everyone, no exceptions.
Other Ways to Say: Very serious, Of high concern, Demands respect
39. In the driver’s seat
Meaning: To be in control of an important situation or decision-making process.
In a Sentence: With the funding secured, she’s now in the driver’s seat, shaping the direction of the project from start to finish.
Other Ways to Say: In charge, Leading, In full control
40. The last word
Meaning: The most authoritative opinion or decision on a matter.
In a Sentence: As editor-in-chief, he always had the last word on what would be published in the magazine.
Other Ways to Say: Final authority, Ultimate decision, End say
41. Matter of life and death
Meaning: Something that is extremely important, often used figuratively to describe serious situations.
In a Sentence: To him, winning the championship was a matter of life and death—it meant everything after years of hard training.
Other Ways to Say: Extremely serious, Deeply meaningful, Critical
42. All-important
Meaning: Extremely important or essential to success.
In a Sentence: She gave a final pep talk before the all-important presentation that could land their biggest client yet.
Other Ways to Say: Crucial, Vital, Indispensable
43. Above all else
Meaning: More important than anything else.
In a Sentence: Above all else, she valued integrity in every project she led and expected the same from her team.
Other Ways to Say: Most of all, Primarily, More than anything
44. Make or break
Meaning: Describing something that is so important it determines the outcome of a situation.
In a Sentence: The next two weeks are make-or-break for the campaign—either it gains traction now, or it fizzles out completely.
Other Ways to Say: Critical point, Turning point, Decide success or failure
45. At stake
Meaning: Something important that could be gained or lost depending on the outcome of a situation.
In a Sentence: With so much funding at stake, the team couldn’t afford even a single error in their final pitch.
Other Ways to Say: On the line, Risked, Hanging in the balance
46. A pressing matter
Meaning: Something important that needs urgent attention.
In a Sentence: I know you’re busy, but this is a pressing matter and we really need to make a decision today.
Other Ways to Say: Urgent issue, Immediate concern, Time-sensitive topic
47. Hold the key
Meaning: To possess something essential to achieving success or solving a problem.
In a Sentence: Their new software holds the key to unlocking faster processing and reducing customer complaints.
Other Ways to Say: Have the solution, Be essential, Control the answer
48. Bear significance
Meaning: To be meaningful or carry important weight.
In a Sentence: Every artifact in that museum bears significance to the cultural heritage of the entire region.
Other Ways to Say: Carry importance, Be meaningful, Have value
49. Command attention
Meaning: To draw and hold people’s focus because of importance or presence.
In a Sentence: When she walked into the room, her calm authority and knowledge instantly commanded attention from everyone there.
Other Ways to Say: Demand notice, Stand out, Attract focus
50. Front-burner issue
Meaning: A problem or subject that is currently the most important or urgent.
In a Sentence: The housing crisis has become a front-burner issue for local leaders who are under pressure to find fast solutions.
Other Ways to Say: Top priority, Main concern, Immediate focus
51. Make it count
Meaning: To treat a moment or action as important and use it wisely.
In a Sentence: This is your one chance to speak to the board—make it count by being clear, confident, and honest.
Other Ways to Say: Give your best, Use wisely, Seize the moment
Practical Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom:
- His ideas were bold and ____________, which is why the CEO gave him full support.
- That scientist is now a ____________ in climate research—everyone knows her name.
- We all know that trust is the ____________ of any good relationship.
- She’s been in the ____________ since her debut on the big screen.
- His speech wasn’t just inspiring—it really ____________ with the entire audience.
- With the fate of the project ____________, the team worked around the clock.
- He knew that this was his only shot, so he gave it everything and decided to ____________.
- Despite the budget cuts, she remained the ____________ of the program, keeping everything running smoothly.
- It was no surprise that the issue became a ____________ topic in every meeting.
- Their discovery proved to be the ____________ that solved the 10-year mystery.
Answers:
- Commanded attention
- Big name
- Cornerstone
- Spotlight
- Made a mark
- At stake
- Make it count
- Backbone
- Hot
- Key to the puzzle
Conclusion
Learning how to express the idea of importance through idioms gives you a powerful set of tools for communication, whether you’re writing, speaking, or just trying to emphasize what really matters. These idioms help you go beyond the basics and bring clarity, emotion, and weight to your words.
Try to use a few of these expressions in your daily life—maybe in an essay, a text message, or even a conversation at work or school. The more you use them, the more naturally they’ll become part of your personal style. And remember: knowing how to highlight what’s important isn’t just a skill—it’s a strength.