on the average

Idioms  

1. As a rule, usually, as in On the average, about 15 percent of the freshmen class will drop out before graduation. This expression uses average in the sense of “a norm or standard.” [First half of 1700s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on the average

The measure is a saving of about £45 a year on the average household bill, the government said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

That means an extra £30 this year on the average bill funding Stormont spending – everything from schools, hospitals to housing and roads.

From BBC ● May 20, 2026

But that responsibility of figuring out what’s truly safe and unsafe shouldn’t fall on the average consumer, Benesh emphasizes.

From Salon ● Apr. 11, 2026

Costs were down 5% on the average of the prior two quarters, which helps support Storey’s upgraded EPS forecasts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 16, 2026

“The Clearasil needs time to work. Killing pimples requires patience. By the way, Ben, since women live seven years longer than men on the average, I imagine I’ll be attending your funeral one day.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy