Found 2 items, similar to in the main.
English → English (WordNet)
Definition: in the main
in the main
adv 1: for the most part;
“he is mainly interested in butterflies”
[syn:
chiefly,
principally,
primarily,
mainly]
2: without distinction of one from others;
“he is interested in
snakes in general” [syn:
generally,
in general] [ant:
specifically]
English → English (gcide)
Definition: In the main
Main
\Main\, n. [AS. m[ae]gen strength, power, force; akin to
OHG. magan, Icel. megin, and to E. may, v. [root]103. See
May, v.]
1. Strength; force; might; violent effort. [Obs., except in
certain phrases.]
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There were in this battle of most might and main.
--R. of Gl.
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He 'gan advance,
With huge force, and with importable main.
--Spenser.
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2. The chief or principal part; the main or most important
thing. [Obs., except in special uses.]
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Resolved to rest upon the title of Lancaster as the
main, and to use the other two . . . but as
supporters. --Bacon.
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3. Specifically:
(a) The great sea, as distinguished from an arm, bay,
etc.; the high sea; the ocean.
“Struggling in the
main.” --Dryden.
(b) The continent, as distinguished from an island; the
mainland.
“Invaded the main of Spain.” --Bacon.
(c) principal duct or pipe, as distinguished from lesser
ones; esp. (Engin.), a principal pipe leading to or
from a reservoir; as, a fire main.
[1913 Webster]
Forcing main, the delivery pipe of a pump.
For the main, or
In the main, for the most part; in the
greatest part.
With might and main, or
With all one's might and main,
with all one's strength; with violent effort.
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With might and main they chased the murderous fox.
--Dryden.
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