noun / adjective
hotshot
HAHT-shaht/ˈhɑːtʃɑːt/
Someone exceptionally capable or successful, or who acts self-important.
The hotshot driver stands proudly beside her race car and trophy.
Etymology
Hot developed the figurative sense 'remarkable, very good,' while shot also appears in big shot, 'important person.' Hotshot is recorded in that personal sense and can express either admiration or mockery.
In context
hotshot lawyer who's done this a thousand times he knows the questions they ask
More examples
- They hired a hotshot lawyer.
- A few hotshots dominated the early rounds.
- The film follows a hotshot pilot learning to work with others.
Forms
hotshot · hotshots