# by and large

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/by-and-large
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Mostly; generally; all things considered.

## Examples

- By and large, the plan worked well.
- By and large, customers are happy with the new service, though a few have complained.
- By and large, the critics praised the novel for its ambition, even when they found its structure unwieldy.

## Origin

From the nautical practice of observing a vessel's performance both when sailing close by the wind and when sailing large, or downwind, with the sheets extended. The construction combines two distinct points of sail to describe the general handling of a ship under varying conditions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.