Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Have a whale of a time

Have an exceptionally fun or exciting experience

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "have a whale of a time" is have an exceptionally fun or exciting experience.

This idiom is used to describe someone who is having a very enjoyable time. It is often used to describe someone who is enjoying themselves so much that they are not paying attention to anything else.

The idiom is thought to have originated from the idea that whales are playful creatures that enjoy swimming and frolicking in the water.

For example, you might say "We had a whale of a time at the amusement park." This means that you had a very enjoyable time at the amusement park and that you were having so much fun that you were not paying attention to anything else.

The other options are not as accurate descriptions of the meaning of the idiom.

• Be extremely busy with work: This idiom is more accurately described as "be swamped with work."
• A good thing that seems bad at first: This idiom is more accurately described as "a blessing in disguise."
• Immediate involvement of everyone present: This idiom is more accurately described as "a rollicking good time."