loom large

present singular third person looms large · participle present looming large · participle past loomed large · past loomed large

1. idiomaticintransitiveTo have a great deal of importance, presence, power, or sway; to be of great significance or concern, especially when posing a likely threat or danger.

   Energy policy will loom large in the policy decisions of the new government.

   5 more examples

   Sooner or later the Catholic question will loom large in our way, so why not take a definite standpoint right from the beginning?

   1934, United States. Congress. House. Special Committee on Un-American Activities, Investigation of Nazi Propaganda Activities and Investigation of Certain Other Propaganda Activities, page 281

   One doubts that adequate assistance would loom large as a factor in the demoralization of the individual.

   1957, Charlotte Towle, Common Human Needs, page 64

   Nevertheless, even for a country bank, the unpredictable can loom large in the management of its reserve position.

   1980, Howard D. Crosse, George H. Hempel, Management Policies for Commercial Banks, page 174

   Before the Somerset marshes were drained - between the 10th and 14th centuries - ships could sail as far inland as Glastonbury, and the hill on which High Ham stands was an island, looming large above the lagoons and swamplands of the region.

   1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 224

   At the same time, the environmental problems certainly loom large in all transition countries.

   1990, Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe: Volumes 7-8, page 131

   Synonyms: bulk large