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

They allege that HRP has agreed in principle to sell the property to the county for $200 million, plus another $200 million payable over 20 years.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

No, the analogy can’t take us that far; there are no ingredients here, just a calculation you could, in principle, do by hand.

From Slate • May 25, 2026

The New York Times reported Sunday that the U.S. and Iran agreed in principle to cease hostilities and fully reopen the strait, with the issue of Iran’s nuclear materials to be negotiated later.

From MarketWatch • May 24, 2026

Enough said its wording on the number of rapes a year in the UK now referred to the "estimated" number, and that its kits "can in principle be admissible in court".

From BBC • May 19, 2026

The barrier is clear in principle, although there are inevitable ambiguities in practice.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton