PhrasesHub

larger than life

    Definitions

      • describe someone or something as extraordinary or impressive
        Highlight the exceptional qualities or size of a person or object, emphasizing that they are larger or more significant than typical

      • exaggerated or unrealistic
        Portray someone or something as being beyond reality or larger in scale than is feasible or believable

    Examples of larger than life

    • She was larger than life on the stage, her voice commanding the audience and her presence leaving an indelible impression.

      The term "larger than life" is used when someone has a greater-than-normal impact or charisma. In this case, the woman's performance was so captivating and powerful that it seemed as if she were larger than life itself.

    • The actor's portrayal of the legendary hero was larger than life, with a muscular build and a booming voice that commanded attention.

      The use of "larger than life" in this example is to describe how the actor's portrayal of the hero exceeded expectations and left an overwhelming impression on the audience. It could be interpreted as the actor's performance being so impressive that it seemed as if the hero himself had appeared on screen.

    • The city was alive with the bustle of people and the noise of traffic, a hive of activity that was larger than life.

      "Larger than life" in this context refers to the grandness and overwhelming nature of the scene depicted. The city's energy and chaos seemed almost larger than life, as if it were a living, breathing entity.

    • The company's sales projections for the next year seemed larger than life, with numbers that were almost too good to be true.

      The use of "larger than life" here is to describe the excessive and seemingly unrealistic nature of the sales projections. The numbers being discussed were so impressive that they seemed almost larger than life itself.

    • Sally's stage presence was larger than life. Her energy and enthusiasm captivated the audience and made her a star.

      In this example, the idiom "larger than life" is used to describe the exceptional and captivating stage presence of Sally. It means that she exceeded the usual expectations and left a lasting impression on the audience. Her performance was mesmerizing and larger than life.

    • The giant billboard at Times Square was larger than life, featuring a larger-than-life image of the brand's latest superstar.

      Here, the idiom highlights the immense size and presence of the billboard and the image it displayed. The brand's superstar appeared larger than life, meaning that they appeared more significant and impactful than their actual size.

    • The best-selling author's novels were larger than life, transporting readers to exotic and thrilling worlds that they had never known before.

      This example illustrates the impact and popularity of the author's novels. The idiom "larger than life" is used to suggest that the novels were so captivating and immersive that they appeared more significant than life itself.

    • The fireworks display in the sky was larger than life, as if the whole sky was ablaze with colors and lights.

      In this example, the idiom "larger than life" is used metaphorically to describe the dazzling and overwhelming nature of the fireworks display. It means that the display appeared larger and more breathtaking than it actually was. The sky seemed alive with colors and lights, as if it was larger than life itself.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "larger than life" is commonly used to describe people or things that are extraordinary or beyond the ordinary. It can be used to emphasize someone's exceptional qualities or size, making them stand out as impressive or remarkable. Additionally, it can also convey the idea of exaggeration or being unrealistic, suggesting that a person or thing is portrayed as larger in scale or significance than is practical or believable.

    In everyday conversation, this idiom is often employed to praise someone's remarkable qualities or to describe a person who has a commanding presence. It can also be used in a more critical sense to point out when something or someone is portrayed in an exaggerated or unrealistically grandiose manner. Overall, "larger than life" serves as a colorful way to express the idea of someone or something being exceptional or larger than typical.

    Origin of "larger than life"

    The origin of the idiom "larger than life" can be traced back to the early 19th century, where it was first used in literary works to describe characters who possessed extraordinary qualities or larger-than-average physical attributes. The phrase likely originated from the idea that certain individuals or objects could be so impressive or noteworthy that they appeared to exceed the limits of normal life or reality.

    Over time, "larger than life" has become a popular idiom used in a variety of contexts to describe people, objects, or situations that are deemed exceptional or impressive. Its origins in literature and storytelling have contributed to its enduring use in modern language, where it continues to evoke a sense of grandeur, exaggeration, or larger-than-average scale.