PhrasesHub

The bigger picture

    Definitions

      • to look at things from a broader perspective
        To consider the overall or long-term implications or consequences of something, rather than just focusing on the immediate or specific details.

      • to understand the full context of a situation
        To see the entire situation or issue, including all its complexities and underlying factors, rather than just the superficial or obvious aspects.

      • to have a wider understanding or vision
        To have a broader outlook or understanding, seeing beyond the immediate or limited scope and considering all possible avenues or options.

    Examples of The bigger picture

    • John's actions may seem confusing in the moment, but when you step back and look at the bigger picture, his decisions become clear.

      This idiom means looking at a situation from a broader perspective instead of focusing solely on the immediate details. It encourages us to consider the overall impact or consequences of a situation rather than just the immediate results.

    • The team's current struggles may be frustrating, but we need to keep our eyes on the bigger picture and remember that success is built through hard work and perseverance.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to remind us to maintain a long-term perspective in the face of challenges or setbacks.

    • When evaluating a potential investment, it's important to consider the bigger picture, including factors like the company's financial history, industry trends, and future growth potential.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be applied to decision-making and analysis, encouraging us to consider a wide range of factors when making important choices.

    • In the midst of a heated argument, it can be easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. Remember to take a step back and focus on the underlying issues at hand.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to remind us to avoid getting bogged down in petty arguments or disagreements and instead focus on the larger, more important issues at hand.

    • When trying to understand a complex issue, it's important to keep the bigger picture in mind. This means considering the long-term consequences of different courses of action, as well as the potential impact on other related issues.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be applied to problem-solving and critical thinking, encouraging us to consider a wide range of factors when making important decisions.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "the bigger picture" is used to convey the idea of looking at something from a broader perspective or understanding the full context of a situation. It is often used to encourage people to think beyond the immediate details and consider the long-term implications or underlying factors.

    For example, a project manager may remind their team to focus on the bigger picture when they get caught up in minor details. This means considering the overall goal and impact of the project, rather than getting bogged down in small tasks.

    Similarly, a parent may tell their child to think about the bigger picture when they are upset about a small issue. This means considering the larger context of their life and not letting one small problem overshadow everything else.

    Origin of "The bigger picture"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 17th century, where it was first used in relation to art. It referred to the practice of creating large paintings with detailed scenes, rather than focusing on small, individual elements.

    Over time, the phrase evolved to be used in a more figurative sense, referencing the idea of looking at things from a wider perspective. It became popular in the 20th century, particularly in the fields of business and politics, where it is often used to emphasize the importance of considering all aspects of a situation.

    Overall, the idiom "the bigger picture" highlights the value of seeing things in a larger context and considering all possible factors, rather than just focusing on one aspect. It encourages people to think critically and broadly, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of a situation.