on balance

Idioms  

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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on balance

We genuinely don’t know yet whether on balance AI will lead to more stability or volatility.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

Overall, the estimated value of portfolio companies that haven’t been sold totaled $3.91 trillion as of September 2025, locking up 74% of all North American private-equity assets on balance sheets, according to Preqin.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

His friends suggest that, on balance, it is probably unlikely that he would, but he isn't ruling it out at least yet.

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026

The good versions — the deeply custardy ones with crisp edges and pockets of surprise throughout — rely on balance, responsiveness and a little bit of nerve.

From Salon ● May 25, 2026

Harry didn’t want to miss the fun, but Uncle Vernon’s second ornament narrowly missed his left ear, and on balance he thought it best to leave the situation to Mr. Weasley.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling