What is the origin of the idiom "a whale of something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "a whale of something" can be traced to American English, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. It likely derives from the idea that a whale, being one of the largest creatures on Earth, symbolizes something of exceptional size or significance.It is often used in spoken language and informal writing to convey the idea of something being extraordinary or substantial.