loom large

1. Appear imminent in a threatening, magnified form. For example, The possibility of civil war loomed large on the horizon, or Martha wanted to take it easy for a week, but the bar exam loomed large. This term employs loom in the sense of “come into view,” a usage dating from the late 1500s.

Example Sentences

In a statement, Michael Christensen, chief airport development officer for the Los Angeles World Airports, said the reconstruction project is a significant milestone for LAX as the airport authority is working to make it more efficient and accessible for travelers, as both the World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028 loom large for the region.

From Los Angeles Times

The clearest emerging litmus test is opposition to sending offensive weapons, but other issues could loom large in Democratic primaries, including recognizing a Palestinian state and allowing international investigations of Israeli war crimes.

From Salon

Several unresolved issues still loom large, and these may yet be snarled in the details as working-level negotiations play out.

From Los Angeles Times

“Questions around the long-term scalability of Parmamount+ continue to loom large,” analyst firm MoffettNathanson noted in a report Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

The decision could loom large in California and the West because the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has taken a broad view of environmental protection and the scope of impact statements.

From Los Angeles Times