bigger

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | 416 words | Copyright

bigger the bigger they are, the harder they fall the more famous or successful a person is, the more notable is their defeat or failure. Early 20th century saying, commonly attributed in its current form to the fighter Robert Fitzsimmons, prior to a fight c.1900. (Similar formations are found in earlier related proverbs from the late 15th century).

See also the mother of mischief is no bigger than a midge's wing.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "bigger." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 14 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "bigger." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 14, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-bigger.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "bigger." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 14, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-bigger.html

Learn more about citation styles