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Mainly, largely....

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Aquagility | 12:36 Mon 12th Oct 2009 | Phrases & Sayings
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Whence the phrases "In the main" and "By and large"?
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Avatar Image jno
http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-bya1.htm
12:57 Mon 12th Oct 2009
Avatar Image Quizmonster
Even though the main sometimes means the sea, the phrase 'in the main' has nothing to do with sailing. It has been around since the 1600s and just means 'for the most part'...ie much the same as the modern meaning of 'by and large'. Mainly and mostly are effectively synonymous.
15:53 Mon 12th Oct 2009
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Thanks to both of you. Aq.
21:11 Tue 13th Oct 2009

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