English idiom: “no big deal”

“Hey, it’s not a problem. No big deal. Don’t worry about it.”

No big deal has been in the English language since the 1800s as a way to communicate that something is not a problem or worth worrying about. If someone were to wrong you or make a mistake you can reply “It’s no big deal!” to let them know you are not offended or worried about it. 

Think of it this way. A deal is an agreement between two parties, usually in a business context. A big deal would be very complex, important, and usually involving large amounts of money, thus it is something you should give concern and time to. Telling someone it’s no big deal suggests the issue is less important or worrisome than a big deal, so let’s not worry about it! 

Next time you need to help someone relax, remind them that it is no big deal. If you want help with this or other English idioms, you can schedule a free English conversation hour with one of our volunteers today!