be greater/more than the sum of its parts

be more/bigger/greater than the sum of its parts

To be something made up of a large collection of things or people in which the total unit is more important, impressive, successful, etc., than its components are individually. America is certainly greater than the sum of its parts. The global social networking site, so intrinsically connected to and supported by users, is certainly more than just the sum of its parts. Even though everyone in this department is vitally important, the work we are able to do together is more than the sum of its parts.

See also: big, greater, more, of, part, sum

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be greater/more than the ˌsum of its ˈparts

be better or more effective as a group than you would think just by looking at the individual members of the group: After their victory, the captain was full of praise for his team, saying that it was a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

See also: greater, more, of, part, sum

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