The phrase "strike big" is spelled phonetically as /straɪk bɪɡ/. It starts with a voiceless alveolar fricative "s" sound followed by a voiceless velar plosive "k" sound. The "t" in "strike" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar plosive, while the "i" sound is pronounced as a long vowel /aɪ/. The word "big" is pronounced with a voiced bilabial plosive "b" sound, and the short vowel sound /ɪ/. Together, they form an impactful phrase often used in sports or business to convey the importance of making a significant impression.
"Strike big" is a colloquial phrase used to describe achieving significant success or accomplishing a notable victory, often related to financial gains, accomplishments, or fortunate outcomes. This expression conveys the idea of achieving a major breakthrough or hitting a substantial target, often surpassing expectations or hopes.
The term "strike" here implies a forceful action, as if metaphorically hitting or scoring against a target. The word "big" emphasizes the significance of the achievement, implying that the outcome or success is substantial in magnitude or significance.
While "strike big" is most commonly associated with financial accomplishments, particularly significant monetary gains or windfalls, it can also be used in a broader sense to describe achievements or victories in various areas of life. For instance, an athlete who accomplishes a remarkable feat, an artist who achieves widespread recognition, or a student who receives a highly coveted scholarship can all be said to have "struck big."
The phrase "strike big" often connotes a sense of surprise, excitement, and happiness, as the result is beyond what was anticipated or hoped for. It is commonly used in casual conversations, motivational contexts, or news headlines to describe notable breakthroughs, successes, or favorable outcomes in various domains.
The term "strike big" is a phrase that does not have a specific etymology on its own. It consists of two separate words, "strike" and "big". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Strike: The word "strike" originated from Middle English "striken", which comes from Old English "strīcan". It has Germanic origins and is related to the Old Norse word "strykja". The meaning evolved from physically hitting or touching something to encompass various other senses, including hitting or attacking with force, bringing a tool into contact forcefully, or making an impact.
2. Big: The word "big" evolved from Middle English "bigge", which is likely influenced by the Scandinavian word "bugge" (meaning 'important man'). It has Germanic roots and is related to the Danish and Norwegian word "bugge", meaning 'wealthy man' or 'large.