The English language is full of idioms and phrases that can be difficult to understand, especially for non-native speakers. One such phrase is “(as) big as life”. This phrase is commonly used in English, but what does it really mean? In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “(as) big as life” as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
The phrase “(as) big as life” is an idiom that means something or someone is very large, impressive, or important. It can also be used to describe something or someone that is very real or vivid. The phrase can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “(as) big as life” is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. It may have been inspired by the larger-than-life characters in popular literature and theater of the time.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “(as) big as life” means “very large and impressive or very real and vivid”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “vividly or realistically present before one’s eyes”.
Associations
The phrase “(as) big as life” is often associated with something or someone that is impressive, important, or larger-than-life. It can also be associated with something or someone that is very real or vivid.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “(as) big as life” include:
- Larger than life.
- Impressive.
- Important.
- Vivid.
- Realistic.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for “(as) big as life” include:
- Small.
- Insignificant.
- Unimportant.
- Faint.
- Unrealistic.
The same root words
The phrase “(as) big as life” does not have any specific root words, but it is related to the idea of something or someone being larger-than-life.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the phrase “(as) big as life”:
- When I saw the movie star in person, she was (as) big as life!.
- The statue in the park was (as) big as life and twice as impressive.
- The story he told was (as) big as life, and I felt like I was there with him.
- The storm clouds were (as) big as life, and I knew we were in for a rough night.
- The mistake he made was (as) big as life, and there was no way to hide it.
The phrase “(as) big as life” is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in English to describe something or someone that is very large, impressive, or important. It can also be used to describe something or someone that is very real or vivid. Understanding the meaning and usage of this phrase can help non-native speakers better understand English idioms and improve their language skills.