in principle

Idioms  

1. Fundamentally, in general, but not necessarily in all particulars. For example, The diplomats accepted the idea in principle but would rely on experts to work out all the details. [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

If that assumption is correct, then in principle there is no reason machines couldn’t eventually become conscious as well.

From The Wall Street Journal

Campaigners celebrated last May after a regional court in northern Germany ruled that companies could in principle be sued over the consequences of their emissions.

From Barron's

"We are unable to say that the sentence was arguably manifestly excessive or wrong in principle."

From BBC

The two sides told a judge on Monday that they had reached a "settlement in principle", according to court filings.

From BBC

But while these new subsidy schemes are welcomed in principle by many farmers, some find the funding available falls far short of the levels provided under earlier support systems.

From BBC