He was a good basketball player but he never made (it to) the big time.他篮球打得不错，但从未达到一流水平。

The group performed in small clubs for years before hitting the big time [=becoming very successful] with a record deal.在签订唱片合约大红大紫之前，这个乐团有好几年都在小俱乐部里表演。