in the round

1. Visible from all sides, as in Jerry's done an excellent job in this interview, really portraying the senator in the round. This expression, which dates from about 1800, was at first used for a free-standing piece of sculpture (as opposed to a relief on a wall), and a century later for a theatrical stage (called theater-in-the-round) so placed that the audience could see a performance from all sides. Since the 1920s it has also been used figuratively for someone or something seen three-dimensionally, as in the example.

Example Sentences

The comments, "taken in the round", could "fairly be characterised as antisemitic", the ruling said.

From BBC

It was a cagey start with both seemingly intent on a scouting mission, Crocker pawing his right hand as Donovan missed with some early shots but did land late in the round.

From BBC

Donovan seemed well on his way to winning the fifth off his jab and sought to put a stamp on it late in the round, but the counter right Crocker had been looking for was there and he detonated a rapid right that dropped Donovan for a second time.

From BBC

Paula Barker - who dropped out of the deputy Labour leader race on Thursday - said: "The delay in sacking him has only served to further erode the trust and confidence in our government and politics in the round."

From BBC

Bradford had already caused an upset in the tournament, though, beating Wigan on penalties in the round before.

From BBC