From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishhit the big timehit the big time (also hit it big American English) informalFAMOUS to suddenly become very famous, successful, and rich The 25-year-old painter hopes to hit it big in New York. → hit
Examples from the Corpus
hit the big time• But his interest in the farm grew, even after he hit the big time.• I know he talked to her about what it was like before Jett hit the big time.• Still, even session men can hit the big time.• Sandier hits the big time as the loveable three killer sharks to increase their brain mass. 