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Where did the phrase "by and large" originate?

Question #151601. Asked by BigTriviaDawg.
Last updated Aug 15 2024.
Originally posted Aug 15 2024 8:20 PM.

psnz

Answer has 3 votes

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psnz

5 year member
1007 replies avatar

Answer has 3 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

While "by and large" has had meanings of "in general" and "on the whole," surprisingly it also has nautical origins.

This phrase comes from nautical terminology where it is used to describe the two points of sailing; "by the wind" and "large." To sail "by the wind" is to sail as close to the wind as possible, while to sail "large" is to sail as far from the wind as possible.

https://www.oceanindependence.com/articles/20-common-phrases-with-a-nautical-origin/

Response last updated by psnz on Aug 15 2024.
Aug 15 2024, 8:22 PM

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Where did the phrase "by and large" originate?

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