1 . The idiom “a big fish in a small pond” describes a person who is very well known or important in a small group but is not known or important outside that small group.For example,a high-performing high school student in a small town could be a big fish in a small pond.     1     And he may simply not know how small his “pond” is-until he moves on to a big university. He must compete with hundreds of students who were also the best at their high schools.     2    

Here is another example. A young singer was famous in his small town. He wanted to move to a big city to grow his singing career.     3     “Here in our small town,”they said, “you are a big fish in a small pond. Once you move to New York City, that is going to change. Best be ready!”For some people, this can be a painful realization-sometimes called a wake-up call.

    4     They never grow their circle of friends or work environment.Sometimes they do not take opportunities that increase their environment, or pond. By staying in a small pond,it is safer.There are fewer dangers and also fewer competitors.

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary explains another way to use the idiom. It can also describe a situation where one person has more power, influence, knowledge,or experience than others within a small group. So sometimes we use this expression to describe people who want to stay in a small pond just to feel more important.     5