What does “Small-time” mean?
"Small-time" means someone or something that is not important or influential.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's just a small-time actor, not a big star.
Example
Don't waste your time on small-time projects.
Example
She used to work for a small-time company before landing her dream job
Is “Small-time” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Small-time” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Small-time” effectively in context?
You can use "Small-time" to describe something or someone as not important or influential. It is often used to convey a sense of insignificance or lack of significance. For example, if someone is talking about an actor who is not well-known, they might say, 'He's just a small-time actor, not a big star.'
- 1Describing a person
She used to work for a small-time company before landing her dream job.
- 2Giving advice
Don't waste your time on small-time projects.
- 3Comparing importance
In the world of finance, he's considered small-time compared to the billionaires.
Similar phrases to “Small-time”:
Not important or influential
Example
His contributions to the project were insignificant.
Not deserving of admiration or attention
Example
The small-time performance left the audience unimpressed.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Small-time” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Small-time" is unknown.
Is “Small-time” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Small-time" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is frequently used to describe things or people that are not important or influential.
What tone does “Small-time” have?
"Small-time" conveys a tone of dismissiveness or lack of significance. It is often used to downplay the importance or influence of something or someone.
Can “Small-time” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Small-time" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of something or someone being unimportant or insignificant. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's just a small-time actor, not a big star.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's so small-time!' to imply someone's lack of importance.
