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.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on balance

Bond expert Mike Lorizio, head of U.S. rates and mortgage trading at investment giant John Hancock, says that, on balance, the news is positive for long-term bonds.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 19, 2026

The Renault was not as fast as Raikkonen's McLaren on balance, but it was certainly more reliable.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

“We think the Bank of England is right, on balance, to hold rates—though that judgment is conditional,” said David Aikman, NIESR’s director.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

Corporate insiders on balance are not backing up their companies’ buybacks with purchases with their own money.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 10, 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