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Tue 16 May, 2006 05:07 am
Zina: How do you get paid? If you don't mind my asking.
Dave: Not cash. But if our launch goes well, my stock options will pay off, big time.
Could you tell me what "our launch goes well" means? And what does "big time" mean? Are they both used in everyday spoken English? Thanks!
Dave is starting a new business. The author uses the metaphor "launch". One "launches" a new business the way one would build and launch a boat.
Right now they have little money, but if his new business takes off, he'll get "big time" profits. He'll be able to buy almost anything that he wants. He won't be a beginner any more, he'll be playing in the "big time".
You're misleading somewhat, even though that is likely not your intent. "Big Time" is a slang locution, which is used simply as an intensifier, to mean significantly.
He was bummed out big time. (He was significantly depressed.)
He went antique hunting for the first time, and scored big time. (He found significant deals on the antiques he was buying.)
She fell for the guy big time. (She developed significant affection for the man--she "fell in love.")
Her new sales promotion plan was a big time success. (Her plan to promote the product resulted in a significant increase in sales.)
The locution "big time" simply means to a significant extent.
Thank you very much, Noddy24 and Setanta.
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