by and large

== English == === Etymology === From sailing: a ship may (or may not) sail well both close by the wind, and large, downwind, with sheets extended. === Pronunciation === === Adverb === by and large (not comparable) (idiomatic, focus) Mostly; generally; all things considered. Synonyms: for the most part, generally, mostly, on the whole, usually; see also Thesaurus:mostly (idiomatic, obsolete) In one way or another. (nautical) Sailing alternately into the wind and in the same direction as the wind. ==== Translations ==== === References === “by and large, adv.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000. “by and large”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.