The idiom “(as) big as all outdoors” is a folksy expression used to describe something that is extremely large, usually in terms of space or size. It conveys a sense of vastness, often exaggerating the immensity of an area, room, or object. While the phrase might sound informal or playful, it effectively emphasizes how vast something is, often leaving a strong impression on the listener or reader.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, usage, and examples of this charming idiom.
What does “(as) big as all outdoors” mean?
Definition:
- (As) big as all outdoors means something is very large or expansive, typically describing the size of an area, room, or even an event. It evokes the image of the great outdoors, which can be vast and seemingly endless, hence the comparison to something “as big as all outdoors.”
Examples of “(as) big as all outdoors”
Describing a large space or room:
“You should see Bob’s living room. It’s as big as all outdoors!”
“The new movie theater is as big as all outdoors. I’ve never seen a screen that large!”
Describing vast outdoor spaces:
“The national park was as big as all outdoors, stretching for miles in every direction.”
“Their backyard is as big as all outdoors, with a pool, garden, and even a small orchard.”
Describing impressive events or projects:
“The wedding reception was as big as all outdoors, with hundreds of guests and elaborate decorations.”
“The concert stage was as big as all outdoors, filled with lights, music, and the crowd.”
How to use “(as) big as all outdoors”
This idiom is typically used to describe spaces, areas, or events that are unexpectedly or unusually large. It can be applied to both physical spaces (like a room or building) and metaphorical spaces (like a project or gathering). The expression conveys a sense of awe or amazement at the sheer size of something.
In casual conversation:
“Have you seen the new shopping mall? It’s as big as all outdoors!”
“The new stadium they’re building is as big as all outdoors. It’s going to hold thousands of people.”
In descriptive writing:
“The house they just bought is as big as all outdoors, with multiple bedrooms and a sprawling garden.”
“The city’s new central park is as big as all outdoors, a vast space to enjoy nature in the middle of the urban landscape.”
Synonyms and similar expressions
If you want to convey a similar idea of something being very large, here are a few alternatives:
- “As large as life”
- “As big as the sky”
- “As vast as the ocean”
- “Gigantic”
- “Enormous”
Why use this idiom?
“(As) big as all outdoors” is a fun and informal way to describe something that’s impressively large. It’s especially effective when you want to evoke a sense of wonder or exaggeration about the size of a space or object. Though it’s a folksy phrase, it can add personality and color to both spoken and written language.
Conclusion
The idiom “(as) big as all outdoors” is a lively and expressive way to emphasize the vast size of something. Whether you’re describing a room, a park, a project, or an event, this phrase helps convey the sense that the subject is extraordinarily large. It’s a fun expression that can easily add charm and exaggeration to your conversation or writing.
