← Back to collection
Region: UK | Usage example: By and large, remote work suits the team.

By and large

Meaning

Generally speaking.

Usage

Used in summaries or assessments.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Sailing term describing how a ship handles both ways by the wind and by the sea.

16th-century maritime writing.

Related Idioms

Fight tooth and nail

Struggle vigorously and aggressively to achieve something.

At the drop of a hat

Immediately, without hesitation.

Beat around the bush

Avoid stating something directly.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.