on the whole
Considering everything together; in general or for the most part. The weather was quite nice on the whole, except for one really rainy day in the middle of the trip. On the whole, the performance was bland and uninspired.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on the whole
generally; considering everything. On the whole, this was a very good day. Your work—on the whole—is quite good.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on the whole
Considering everything, as in
On the whole we enjoyed our vacation, although the hotel was not perfect by any means. [Late 1600s] Also see the synonyms
by and large;
for the most part.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
on the whole
taking everything into account; in general.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on the ˈwhole
considering everything; in general: On the whole her school work is improving, though her spelling is still poor.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on the whole
1. Considering everything: on the whole, a happy marriage.
2. In most instances or cases; as a rule: can expect sunny weather, on the whole.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.