whale of a time

a whale of a (good) time

An exceptionally fun, exciting, or amusing experience. (Usually used in the phrase, "have a whale of a (good) time.") Gee, Samantha, I sure had a whale of a time at the dance with you last night. We should go out again sometime! Come out to our party this weekend, it's sure to be a whale of a good time!
See also: of, time, whale
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

whale of a time

A very enjoyable experience, as in We had a whale of a time in Puerto Rico. This idiom alludes to the largest mammal to describe something very large and impressive. [Colloquial; early 1900s]
See also: of, time, whale
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • a whale of a (good) time
  • have a whale of a (good) time
  • have a whale of a time
  • not a peep from/out of (someone)
  • caught up with (someone or something)
  • open (one's) heart (to someone)
  • open heart to
  • open one's heart to
  • open your heart
  • (way) past caring