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

He was sensationally rocked by a huge uppercut from underdog Prenga in the opening round, and then hit the canvas again later in the round.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

It dispatched Austria in the round of 32, then posted back-to-back one goal victories with desperately late goals against Portugal and Belgium.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

But reality, once again, hit hard as the loss became Mexico’s eighth defeat in the round of 16 since 1994.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

Adams featured in all three of South Africa's group games at the tournament, where they reached the knockout stages before losing to co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

With two questions left to go in the round, the score was still tied.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein