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in the main

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in the main

basically; generally. Mary: Everything looks all right—in the main. Sally: What details need attention? Mary: Just a few things here and there. Like on page 27. John: Are you all ready? Sue: I think we're ready, in the main. John: Then, we shall go.

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in the main

(slightly formal)

mostly Major crime seems to be, in the main, caused by drugs and poverty.

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in the main

mostly, usually Bystanders, middle-aged women in the main, protested loudly. In the main, our students reach exam level after a year.

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in the main

For the most part, chiefly, as in It was an excellent conference in the main. [First half of 1600s]

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