english
1
general::
Phrase(s): on the whole generally; considering everything. • On the whole, this was a very good day. • Your work—on the whole—is quite good.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Considering everything, as in On the whole we enjoyed our vacation, although the hotel was not perfect by any means. [Late 1600s] Also see the synonyms BY AND LARGE; FOR THE MOST PART.
American Heritage Idioms