The big picture
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.