Mover and shaker: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is very active and influential in a professional or social scene, especially someone who is instrumental in initiating changes and making things happen.

• In the tech industry, he is considered a mover and shaker due to his groundbreaking innovations.
• The local community knows her as a mover and shaker for her efforts in organizing charity events.

This term is more formal and general, often used in written or spoken communication to describe someone who has significant influence and impact on others, decisions, or trends.

• She is recognized as an influential person in the world of environmental activism.
• He became an influential person in the fashion industry through his innovative designs.

Describes someone who holds a lot of power and influence in a particular area, often used in contexts related to politics, business, or entertainment.

• As a power player in Hollywood, she can green-light almost any project she wants.
• In the world of international finance, he is known as a power player.

Often used informally or humorously to refer to someone who has an important or powerful position, usually within an organization, company, or government.

• The company's bigwigs were all present at the annual board meeting.
• It's not often that a bigwig like him visits our small town.