Meaning of big beast | Babel Free

Definitions

A prominent and influential politician, especially one seen as a leader or major player within a party or faction.

UK

Examples

“But business has become less keen both on Europe and on him, while the erstwhile Tory big beasts, such as Ken Clarke, Michael Heseltine, Douglas Hurd and Chris Patten, have been strident critics of his Iraq policy.”

“Despite the reluctance of New Labour big beasts such as Charles Clarke, Stephen Byers, or Alan Milburn, and the hesitations of David Miliband and Alan Johnson, Gordon Brown was elected unopposed.”

“If his purpose was to re-ignite Tory passions, he was successful, ending up with the Tory 'big beasts' fighting among themselves.”

“Michael Portillo’s election defeat in 1997, unseated on a swing of 17.4 percentage points shortly after 3am on 2 May that year, has become synonymous with the shock moment that a major political big beast loses their seat.”

CEFR level