on the whole: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘on the whole’ mean?
The idiom "on the whole" means considering all aspects or generally speaking.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "say it all" means to fully express or reveal everything, leaving nothing unsaid or unexplained.
The idiom "on the same page" means to be in agreement or understanding about something.
The idiom "on the one hand" is used to introduce a contrasting point or argument, indicating that there is another perspective to consider. It suggests that there are different sides to a situation or decision.
The idiom "on the level" means to be honest, sincere, and truthful in one's intentions or actions.
The idiom "on the face of it" means that something appears to be true or valid based on initial evidence or appearance, but further examination may reveal a different reality or truth.
The idiom "on the face of" means something is apparent or evident based on initial appearances or superficial evidence. It implies that a conclusion can be reached without deeper investigation or analysis.
The idiom "on its merits" means to evaluate something based solely on its qualities or performance, without considering any other factors or biases.
The idiom "on end" means continuously or without interruption.
The idiom *one and the same* means that two or more things or people are identical or indistinguishable from each other.
The Essence Within
"On the whole" is a commonly used phrase in English that means considering or evaluating something in its entirety or as a whole. It is often used to express a general opinion or assessment about a particular situation, group of people, or overall outcome. This idiom is widely understood and used by native speakers, and its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "on the whole" can be used in a sentence:
- On the whole, the team has had a successful season.
- She didn't enjoy every moment of the trip, but on the whole, it was a fantastic experience.
- On the whole, the movie received positive reviews from critics.
More "Phrase" idioms
