By and Large

An expression meaning generally or when considered as a whole.

Its origin is nautical. “By” described sailing close to the wind, while “large” described sailing with the wind free, from a more favourable direction. A vessel said to sail well by and large could perform under both broad types of wind angle.

The phrase later moved into everyday English with the sense of taking matters overall. It is now an idiom rather than a modern helm or sail-trim instruction.