big as life

1. Also, larger than life ; big as all outdoors . On a grand scale, as in The soap opera could well be called a larger-than-life drama , or That friend of his was as big as all outdoors . This phrase can be used either literally, for larger than life-size (second example) or figuratively. The phrase all outdoors has been used to compare something or someone to an immensity since the early 1800s.

2. Also, large as life . In person, as in And there was Mary, big as life, standing right in front of me . This phrase transfers the same size as in real life (life-size) to an actual appearance. Sometimes this term is embellished with and quite as natural , presumably alluding to a likeness of a person or thing that closely resembles the real thing. A similar addition is and twice as natural , which doesn't make sense. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

There was the picture of Anolt Joseph Laguerre Jr., known as A.J., big as life at 18 in the red satin cap and gown he’d worn in May 2022 as he walked across the stage at his graduation from William M. Raines High School.

From New York Times

As he observes fans making their way through the exhibit, Hanley particularly enjoys watching them after they've seen an excerpt from Peter Jackson's "Get Back" docuseries and then find themselves in the same space as Lennon's guitar, big as life, which now stands before them.

From Salon

First I think my eyes are fooling, but there it is, big as life, looking like it missed me.

From Literature

So there’s a chance, the artist Wyland likes to think, that a pod of whales will swim past The Edgewater Hotel and see themselves painted on the side, almost as big as life.

From Seattle Times

The man came out of nowhere, walked up to Father in broad daylight, big as life, and on television.

From Literature

Related Words

• apparent
• appreciable
• distinct
• eye-catching
• marked
• notable
• noteworthy
• observable
• obvious
• palpable
• perceptible
• prominent
• remarkable
• salient
• spectacular
• striking
• unmistakable