Be greater/more than the sum of its parts
phrase
To be more effective or successful when different things or people work together rather than separately.
The team works so well together that it's just greater than the sum of its parts.
Often appears as...
- team is greater than the sum of its parts
- combination is greater than the sum of its parts
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be more significant or impressive as a whole than the simple addition of its constituents or components.
The gourmet meal was more than the sum of its parts, each flavor perfectly complementing the next.
Often appears as...
- result is more than the sum of its parts
- project is more than the sum of its parts
phrase
To be more effective or successful when different things or people work together rather than separately.
The team works so well together that it's just greater than the sum of its parts.
Often appears as...
- team is greater than the sum of its parts
- combination is greater than the sum of its parts
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be more significant or impressive as a whole than the simple addition of its constituents or components.
The gourmet meal was more than the sum of its parts, each flavor perfectly complementing the next.
Often appears as...
- result is more than the sum of its parts
- project is more than the sum of its parts
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Team Dynamics
The phrase highlights the enhanced result when individuals work cohesively.
Our small company is greater than the sum of its parts because everyone plays multiple roles effectively.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Projects
Often used to describe groups that produce work with an impact beyond their individual abilities.
The mural was greater than the sum of its parts, capturing the spirit of the community.
Pro Tip 3/3Added Value
Use it when you want to express that the combination creates extra value.
This study group is greater than the sum of its parts; we help each other understand complex topics.
Pro Tip 1/3Team Dynamics
The phrase highlights the enhanced result when individuals work cohesively.
Our small company is greater than the sum of its parts because everyone plays multiple roles effectively.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Projects
Often used to describe groups that produce work with an impact beyond their individual abilities.
The mural was greater than the sum of its parts, capturing the spirit of the community.
Pro Tip 3/3Added Value
Use it when you want to express that the combination creates extra value.
This study group is greater than the sum of its parts; we help each other understand complex topics.
Pro Tip 1/3Team Dynamics
The phrase highlights the enhanced result when individuals work cohesively.
Our small company is greater than the sum of its parts because everyone plays multiple roles effectively.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Projects
Often used to describe groups that produce work with an impact beyond their individual abilities.
The mural was greater than the sum of its parts, capturing the spirit of the community.
Pro Tip 3/3Added Value
Use it when you want to express that the combination creates extra value.
This study group is greater than the sum of its parts; we help each other understand complex topics.
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