The big picture
noun
The complete, overall situation or story.
It's important to focus on the details, but don't lose sight of the big picture.
Often appears as...
- see the big picture
- lose sight of the big picture
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
The most important aspects of a situation.
The boss always wants to know the big picture before making a decision.
Often appears as...
- know the big picture
- explain the big picture
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
The complete, overall situation or story.
It's important to focus on the details, but don't lose sight of the big picture.
Often appears as...
- see the big picture
- lose sight of the big picture
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
The most important aspects of a situation.
The boss always wants to know the big picture before making a decision.
Often appears as...
- know the big picture
- explain the big picture
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Big Perspective
Think of it as stepping back to see an entire artwork, not just individual brush strokes.
You might miss some errors, but understanding the big picture will help you see if your essay makes sense.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Literal
The phrase is metaphorical and rarely refers to an actual picture.
Understanding the big picture helped her realize why the company needed to change its strategy.
Pro Tip 3/3Broad Overview
Use it when discussing a summary or an overview rather than specifics.
Before we dig into details, let's consider the big picture.
Pro Tip 1/3Big Perspective
Think of it as stepping back to see an entire artwork, not just individual brush strokes.
You might miss some errors, but understanding the big picture will help you see if your essay makes sense.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Literal
The phrase is metaphorical and rarely refers to an actual picture.
Understanding the big picture helped her realize why the company needed to change its strategy.
Pro Tip 3/3Broad Overview
Use it when discussing a summary or an overview rather than specifics.
Before we dig into details, let's consider the big picture.
Pro Tip 1/3Big Perspective
Think of it as stepping back to see an entire artwork, not just individual brush strokes.
You might miss some errors, but understanding the big picture will help you see if your essay makes sense.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Literal
The phrase is metaphorical and rarely refers to an actual picture.
Understanding the big picture helped her realize why the company needed to change its strategy.
Pro Tip 3/3Broad Overview
Use it when discussing a summary or an overview rather than specifics.
Before we dig into details, let's consider the big picture.
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