The phrase "big as life and twice as natural" is an idiom that means something is very real and obvious. The spelling of "big" is /bɪɡ/ and "life" is /laɪf/, while "twice" is /twaɪs/ and "natural" is /ˈnætʃrəl/. Although the spelling is straightforward, the pronunciation of "natural" can be tricky for non-native speakers due to the silent "u" and the stress on the second syllable. However, understanding the IPA phonetic transcription can help improve pronunciation accuracy.
"Big as life and twice as natural" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a person or situation that is unexpectedly or surprisingly present or genuine, surpassing the expectations of the speaker. It implies an overwhelming sense of reality and genuineness in an individual or an event, thereby accentuating the feeling of astonishment or surprise.
The phrase "big as life" conveys the notion of grandeur and significance, suggesting that the person or situation being referred to is of such immense importance or prominence that it cannot be ignored or overlooked. Additionally, it emphasizes the notion that the subject is undeniably real and authentic, dismissing any possibility of it being a mere figment of imagination or exaggeration.
The phrase "twice as natural" further reinforces the living and organic nature of the subject at hand. By doubling the word "natural," the expression seeks to emphasize that the person or situation being described is even more genuine, unpretentious, and uncontrived than one would typically expect.
Overall, "big as life and twice as natural" showcases the speaker's surprise and amazement at something or someone's undeniable presence and authenticity. This expression is often used colloquially to convey astonishment, wonder, and excitement, particularly in situations where something or someone unexpected or extraordinary appears before the speaker's eyes.