big and burly

Large, strong, and imposing in size and stature. I know that Mike looks big and burly, but he's one of the gentlest people I've ever met.

See also: and, big, burly

References in periodicals archive ?

Bikers have a stereotype of being big and burly, but when you get to know them they're really the nicest people in the world,'' said Carmela Burke, director of development at the foundation.

BIKERS WILL MEET ON SUNDAY

It was once reputed as a sport reserved for colder bastions, a pastime fit only for big and burly guys, an event of sprints and grunts where fights seemed more the aim of the game than the hot pursuit of a cookie-sized disk with a stick.

BEFORE YOU SWEAT HOCKEY : STRETCHING THE LIMITS OF HOCKEY PREPARATION

And then away into the night There's plenty more to do When I look back to childhood days Things haven't changed, I mean We did the same as kids do now When it was Halloween Standing on a doorstep when someone big and burly Gave you a big penny - Christmas had come early.