English idiom: by and large

[Deya]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #61 "Trains", question 7

The other advantage of this particular service is that by and large the trains are ..........

(a) timely
(b) punctual
(c) pointed
(d) exact

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #61 "Trains", answer 7

The other advantage of this particular service is that by and large the trains are punctual.

Correct answer: (b) punctual

Your answer was: incorrect
The other advantage of this particular service is that by and large the trains are exact.
_________________________

Is 'by and large' an expression and what is the meaning, anyway?

Deya

[Alan]

Hi Deya,

This expression means in general/on average.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story 'the' vs. 'a/an'

[Vitaly]

Why can't I say "timely" here?