Everything Everywhere Daily · Sunday, August 30, 2026
The common phrase 'by and large,' meaning 'in general,' derives from sailing terminology. 'Large' described sailing with a favorable tailwind, while 'by' meant sailing close to the wind at an angle, together signifying a ship's ability to navigate in most wind conditions.
“In the context of sailing, large meant that when the wind was coming from behind the ship, it was allowing it to sail smoothly with a favorable tailwind.”
“By, however, referred to sailing close by the wind or sailing into the wind at an angle.”
“So to sail by and large meant that a ship could sail in nearly all wind conditions, whether the wind was favorable from behind or blowing at an angle from the side.”