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# the big guy upstairs

phrase (noun phrase, always «the big guy upstairs»; no plural)

«the big guy upstairs» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, humorous, US) God.
2. (humorous) the most important boss in a company, whose office is on a higher floor.

### In the lessons

People say it to talk about God in a light, friendly, joking way, without sounding too religious or solemn; casual and humorous, mostly American. Often in «thank the big guy upstairs», «the big guy upstairs was watching over us». In offices it can also mean the top boss. It shows the speaker is joking a little, but often still grateful or hopeful.

### Examples

- We made it home through the storm, so somebody thanked the big guy upstairs.
- "Did you pass?" "Only just — the big guy upstairs must like me."
- The coach pointed at the sky and said the win was for the big guy upstairs.
- (chat) honestly the big guy upstairs saved me on that test lol
- (news, sport) After the crash he walked away unhurt and said the big guy upstairs had other plans for him.
- (office) We can't change the plan until the big guy upstairs signs it off.
- Grandpa says he'll go when the big guy upstairs calls him.

### Note

Trap: there is no real big man living upstairs — it points to God (or to a top boss in an office). Some religious people find it too casual or a little disrespectful; at a funeral or in church say «God» or «the Lord». Same idea: «the man upstairs». Always with «the».