on balance

1. Taking everything into consideration, as in On balance I think we've had a very good year. This expression, which in effect means “balancing all the factors involved,” was first recorded in 1719.

Example Sentences

In 2010, the report by Lord Saville said that on balance, the paratroopers had fired first and that none of the victims had posed any threat.

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Spend the afternoon at the mini-golf course and the adjacent ropes course, where harnessed participants can hobble on balance beams and unbalanced steps.

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Regardless, over the season, and even now, it's hard to argue that on balance Leclerc has not been the better Ferrari driver this year.

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But these maps would also more effectively dilute Republican votes, ensuring that Democrats win more seats on balance.

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“While I feel good about the forward outlook on balance, the market operates in cycles and disciplined risk management is imperative. We are especially vigilant in times like these.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal