A whale of

Meaning

The idiom "a whale of" is used to describe something that is extremely large or impressive, particularly in comparison to other things of its kind. It's often used to express admiration or approval for something that is exceptionally good or successful.

Usage

• The band's concert was a whale of a show; the crowd loved every minute of it.
• The new CEO has been a whale of a leader; he has transformed the company in just a few months.
• He cooked up a whale of a meal for dinner; everyone was impressed with his culinary skills.
• Her art exhibit was a whale of an experience; it left a lasting impression on all who attended.
• The team's performance was a whale of a game; they dominated the competition from start to finish.

Roots and History

The idiom "a whale of" has its roots in the early 20th century, with one of the earliest known uses appearing in an advertisement for a brand of automobile tires in 1915. However, it wasn't until the 1930s that it became more widely used in everyday language. Over time, the idiom has evolved to become more general in its usage, with people using it to describe anything that is exceptionally large or impressive, rather than just whales specifically. Today, "a whale of" is a common expression used to express admiration or approval for something that is particularly noteworthy.

Synonyms in English

• A giant of
• A behemoth of
• A titan of
• A colossus of
• A leviathan of

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: Un gigante de (meaning "a giant of")
• French: Un géant de (meaning "a giant of")
• German: Ein Giganten von (meaning "a giant of")
• Italian: Un gigante di (meaning "a giant of")
• Japanese: 大海豬 (meaning "giant whale")

Similar Idioms

• at the drop of a hat

• ad hoc

• as busy as a bee