in the round

Idioms  

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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in the round

However, Burnham said her party had "messed up" the original decision by not giving any regard to climate obligations - things he said "have to be considered in the round".

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

Legend Capital, backed by computer and server maker Lenovo, as well as carmaker Geely, also invested in the round, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

Instead, the U.S. went out in the round of 16 for the fourth time in as many World Cups.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

Altimeter and Bain Capital Ventures were among other investors that participated in the round.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026

She walked there in the round courtyard with the Governor’s wife, who used her with great kindness, knowing the nobility of her blood.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

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