I have had big end bearing failure before. It was only acute and I actually drove for about 3000 miles with it due to it being incorrectly diagnosed as piston slap. I found it only made the noise when it was held at constant revs over 3000rpm. It was on my MR2 (1ZZ engine is notorious for oil starvation issues) and luckily I only needed new shells which were changed with the engine in situ. Cost £399 inc VAT for new shells, engine flush, new oil and labour.
Anyway, get it checked out ASAP and don't drive it apart from to the nearest decent mechanic.
Anyway, get it checked out ASAP and don't drive it apart from to the nearest decent mechanic.