adverb phrase🎓 English idiom

by and large

generally speaking, on the whole

What it means

By and large is used to mean 'generally' or 'on the whole' — when something is true in most cases but not necessarily every single one. It softens a statement by acknowledging exceptions without listing them.

Examples

  • By and large, the new policy has been well received.
  • The team has played well by and large this season.
  • By and large, people prefer working from home now.
  • It was, by and large, a successful trip — apart from the missed flight.

Where it comes from

Originally a nautical term from the 1600s: a ship sailing 'by' (into the wind) and 'large' (with the wind) — so it covered all conditions, meaning 'in general'.

Related idioms

#give and take#ups and downs#ins and outs#now and then

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