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.

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Example Sentences

The millennial feminist movement also, on balance, did far more good than harm.

From Slate

On balance, I think it’s critically important that inside information is addressed thoroughly and comprehensively to support confidence rather than undermine it.

From Barron's

Yet on balance, the New Museum has achieved something astonishing: It has gracefully and imaginatively added to its original building without compromising its exquisite sculptural quality.

From The Wall Street Journal

On balance, Europe sees the risks of getting directly involved as outweighing the benefits.

From Barron's

Dr. Pruett, who declined to discuss individual cases, said he encourages patients to be open with him and said that on balance, the substantial mental-health benefits he’s seen among ketamine users is “why I find joy in waking up every day.”

From The Wall Street Journal