larger-than-life

American  

[lahr-jer-thuhn-lahyf] / ˈlɑr dʒər ðənˈlaɪf /

adjective

1. exceedingly imposing, impressive, or memorable, especially in appearance or forcefulness.

   a larger-than-life leader.

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larger-than-life British  

adjective

1. exceptionally striking or colourful

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Etymology

Origin of larger-than-life

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

In an interview with the Journal in 2024, he insisted that the secret to success was his humble, consistent work ethic, not his larger-than-life public persona.

From The Wall Street Journal

The series examines Swift's existence as a larger-than-life pop star and, more specifically, the emotional toll of putting on a happy face to perform, night after night after night.

From BBC

“He’s a larger-than-life figure in mathematics,” said Ken Ribet, a former president of the American Mathematical Society.

From The Wall Street Journal

The heyday of Britain’s Victorian empire spawned many larger-than-life personalities, but few of them rivaled Col.

From The Wall Street Journal

When the event’s signature balloons were introduced in the late 1920s, wranglers simply released the larger-than-life characters into the sky.

From The Wall Street Journal