by and large: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘by and large’ mean?
The idiom "by and large" means generally or mostly. It is used to describe a situation or group in a broad sense, without going into specific details.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on the whole" means considering all aspects or generally speaking.
The idiom *common run* refers to the average or typical group of people or things. It represents the majority or the most ordinary.
The idiom "common run" is often used in the English language to describe the average or ordinary group of people within a larger population. It is a phrase that conveys a sense of the majority or the usual state of affairs. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century when it first appeared in written records.
An idiom used to describe something ordinary, typical, or unremarkable.
The idiom "common or garden variety" is a phrase used to describe something that is ordinary, basic, or typical. It is often used to emphasize the lack of uniqueness or special qualities in a person, object, or situation.
The idiom "common-and-garden" means something ordinary, average, or unremarkable. It is typically used to describe things that are plain, basic, and lacking in special features or qualities.
The idiom "by a long way" means to win or be better than all others by a large margin or distance.
The idiom "by a long shot" means to have a small chance of success or to be far from achieving a goal.
The idiom "by a long shot" is used to express a large difference or distance between two things or outcomes. It is commonly used in American English and primarily found in informal conversations.
The idiom "by all accounts" means that according to everyone's opinions or reports about a particular person or situation, something is true or accurate.
The idiom "by a landslide" means winning or achieving something by a large margin or overwhelming majority. It is often used to describe a victory or success that is decisive and uncontested.
Maritime Origins
The idiom "by and large" is a commonly used expression in spoken and written English. It is often used to provide a general statement or overall conclusion, summarizing a situation or describing a broad perspective. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to nautical terminology, specifically in the sailing industry.
In the context of sailing, "by" refers to the direction in which the wind is blowing, while "large" describes the position of a sailing ship relative to the wind. When a ship is sailing with the wind coming from astern, it is considered to be "large", which allows for easier maneuverability. On the other hand, when a ship is sailing against the wind or in a direction contrary to the wind, it is said to be "by the wind" or "by and by". This position is less favorable and requires more effort to navigate.
The idiom "by and large" evolved from this nautical expression and gradually entered into common usage during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its meaning shifted to represent a generalization or overall assessment, similar to the concept of sailing with or against the wind. It now implies a comprehensive evaluation or summation of a situation.
Today, "by and large" is widely employed to describe a broad perspective or provide an overall assessment of a situation. It is often used to introduce a general statement that encompasses most aspects of a particular topic. The idiom adds a sense of finality, as if drawing a conclusion based on a comprehensive analysis. One related idiom with a similar meaning is "on the whole".
"On the whole" is another idiomatic expression that is used to describe a general perspective or overall assessment. It is often used synonymously with "by and large" to convey a similar meaning. Both idioms indicate that the speaker or writer is considering the entirety of a situation or topic, rather than specific details or exceptions.
While "by and large" is a neutral expression with no inherent positive or negative connotation, it allows for a comprehensive evaluation or summation of a subject. Similarly, "on the whole" is also a neutral expression that aims to provide an overall assessment without explicit judgment or bias. These idioms can be used interchangeably to convey a general conclusion or perspective.
In addition to "by and large" and "on the whole", another related idiom that shares a similar meaning is "as a whole". This expression emphasizes the entirety or totality of a subject. It implies that every part or aspect should be considered together in order to form a complete understanding or assessment. Like "by and large" and "on the whole", "as a whole" can be used to provide a comprehensive evaluation or summation of a situation.
The versatility of these idioms allows them to be applied to various contexts and situations. They serve as useful tools to summarize or evaluate a subject without delving into specific details. These idioms are commonly used in both spoken and written English, adding a conversational and friendly tone to the language. Their usage helps to improve clarity, structure, and style in articles and other forms of communication.
Although the nautical connection of "by and large" may have faded from collective memory, the idiom remains a captivating example of how seafaring terminology has influenced the English language. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and evolution of idiomatic expressions, and their ongoing role in providing concise and effective communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "by and large" can be used in a sentence:
- By and large, I found the book to be a compelling read.
- We enjoyed the party, but by and large, it could have been better organized.
- The team achieved its goal, by and large, due to their determination and hard work.
More "Adverbs" idioms
