http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/by-and-large.html Apparently, the phrase ‘by and large’ has a nautical origin. In Chinese, I would translate it as ‘大致上’. ‘Large’ refers to the situation when the wind blows from behind a ship’s direction of travel and the largest square sails may be set. ‘By’ means ‘in the general direction of’.
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By and Large
Posted in English Vocabulary on October 12, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
