The Village Idiom

on the whole

The idiom "on the whole" means considering all aspects or generally speaking.

Filed under O

In a sentence

  • On the whole, the team has had a successful season.
  • She didn't enjoy every moment of the trip, but on the whole, it was a fantastic experience.
  • On the whole, the movie received positive reviews from critics.

Where it comes from and how it is used

"On the whole" is a commonly used phrase in English that means considering or evaluating something in its entirety or as a whole. It is often used to express a general opinion or assessment about a particular situation, group of people, or overall outcome. This idiom is widely understood and used by native speakers, and its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.