view

a bird's eye view

a view from a very high place which allows you to see a large area. We had a bird's eye view of the old town from the top of the city walls.

See also: eye

a ringside seat/view

if you have a ringside seat, you are in a good position to watch what is happening at an event. If there's going to be a confrontation between management and the unions, I'd like a ringside seat.

See also: seat

take the long view

to think about the effects that something will have in the future instead of in the present. If you take the long view, of course, you can regard staff training as an investment for the company.

See also: long, take

a worm's eye view (British & Australian)

if you have a worm's eye view of something, you only know or understand a part of it, usually the worst or least important part. Set in the Paris underworld, the novel provides us with a a worm's eye view of society.

See also: eye

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a bird's eye view

the appearance of something seen from above. The large painting offers a bird's eye view that shows the layout of the ancient city.

Usage notes: sometimes used to show how an animal's view is different: A basement window gives you a dog's eye view of the world — all you see is the bottom of the fire hydrant and passing feet on the sidewalk.

See also: eye

in view of something

considering something. In view of the late hour, we'll have to put off that discussion until our next meeting.

on view

in a place to be seen by anyone. Plans for the new park are on view at the library this week.

take a dim view (of something)

to disapprove of something. Most bosses take a dim view of long lunches.

See also: take

take the long view

to think about the effects that something will have in the future. If you take the long view, computer training for your staff is an investment in increased productivity.

in the long term

See also: long, take