enchilada

Meaning of the big enchilada in English
 
the big enchilada
idiom

mainly US informal
the most important person ( big shot) or thing:

Clinton was the big enchilada, so everyone wanted to know what she thought.
When it comes to environmental issues, the big enchilada is carbon dioxide.

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The whole enchilada” is an American expression that means “the whole thing” or “the complete package”. It is used to describe every part of a multifaceted thing or situation taken together as a whole. The term “enchilada” is the past participle of the Spanish verb “enchilar” meaning to flavor with chili. The expression dates back to the 1970s .


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An enchilada , Spanish: is a Mexican dish consisting of a corn tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a savory sauce. Enchiladas can be filled with various ingredients, including meats, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, or combinations. Enchilada sauces include chili-based sauces, such as salsa roja, various moles, tomatillo-based sauces, such as salsa verde, or cheese-based sauces, such as chile con queso.

Etymology
The Royal Spanish Academy defines the word enchilada, as used in Mexico, as a rolled maize tortilla stuffed with meat and covered with a tomato and chili sauce.Enchilada is the past participle of the Mexican Spanish enchilar, "to add chili pepper to"; literally, "to season (or decorate) with chili".