by and large

generally; usually. (Originally a nautical expression.) I find that, by and large, people tend to do what they are told to do. By and large, rosebushes need lots of care.

mostly or generally for the most part By and large, the people I'm talking about are Internet users. There are a few things that I don't like about my job, but by and large it's just fine.

generally or mostly The films they show are, by and large, American imports.

For the most part, generally speaking, as in By and large the novel was a success. This expression originated in 17th-century seamanship, where it referred to sailing into the wind and then off it, which made it easier to steer. By the early 1700s the term had been broadened to mean "in one direction and another," whence its present meaning of "in general." For a synonym, see for the most part.