big picture

1. noun The general, overall, or long-term scope of something, as opposed to the specific details or present preoccupations. I know that one parking ticket isn't important in the big picture, but I'm really annoyed about it right now. You need to focus on the big picture here and stop getting bogged down in the day-to-day operations. That's what we're paying you for as a high-level manager. So the color on the sign is not the exact shade of orange you wanted. Does that really matter in the big picture?

2. adjective Of or describing general, overall, or long-term scope of something. These are big-picture projections. We'll worry about the details later. One of the best things you can do when starting your own business is not to get caught up in the minutiae. You've really got to make sure that the big-picture problems are taken care of first and foremost. I've been trying to learn to enjoy the little things in life, instead of getting too hung up on big-picture stuff that I'm dissatisfied with.

See also: big, picture

*big picture

the whole story of something; a complete view of something. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~; know ~; see ~; show someone ~.) The sales manager gave us all the big picture this morning, and I'm more confused than ever.

See also: big, picture

the big ˈpicture

(informal, especially American English) the situation as a whole: Right now forget the details and take a look at the big picture.

See also: big, picture

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

the big picture

The overall or long-range view of a situation. This phrase, which implies that details will be omitted in favor of presenting a bird’s-eye view, dates from the second half of the twentieth century. Originally American, it was used by Time magazine (Sept. 19, 1977): “The Bunyanesque extrovert who cheerfully mangled facts in his haste to paint the big picture.” In Britain the term was used from the first half of the 1900s to describe the feature film in a movie presentation. However, British usage now is the same as the American. Stella Rimington’s 2004 thriller, At Risk, had it: “Clyde, might I propose that, if they’ve got the time, we show our guests around? Give them the big picture?”

See also: big, picture

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References in periodicals archive

But with different thinking, Scotland could become a world-leader in restoring its ecosystems to good health, for both wildlife and people," said Peter Cairns, Director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.

Rewilding conference signals fresh thinking for Scotland's land and seas

When asked to explain the reason for picking Big Picture, the commish kinda mumbled something about Big Picture being better at something than the others - although that something it was better at wasn't part of the actual requirements in the businessman-turned-bureaucraf s RFP.

In focus

As part of the plan to cloak the lending operation of Martorello, Ascension and Big Picture Loans in sovereign immunity, Bellicose's assets were then assigned to Ascension and its liabilities were assigned to Big Picture Loans, and the company ceased to exist.

Officer of tribal entity must testify

Critique: A critically important counter to the well financed and politically motivated climate change deniers, "There Is Still Time: To Look at the Big Picture ...

There Is Still Time

Big Picture Science is on iTunes and podcast sites including RSS.

Perfect podcasts

"Arthur Elgort: The Big Picture" is a comprehensive compilation of his photography, showcasing his world-renowned fashion imagery alongside his personal work.

Arthur Elgort: The Big Picture

Naroff and veteran economic journalist Ron Scherer, "Big Picture Economics: How to Navigate the New Global Economy" is a 256 page compendium that provides a basic course of instruction that will prove to be especially useful for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in understanding economics and a desire to improve their own financial standing and the performance of their financial investments.

Big Picture Economics

BANK of England Governor Mark Carney attempted to calm anxieties raised by his recent comments on interest rates by urging people to focus on the "big picture" of where they will settle in two to three years' time rather than obsessing about when they will start to rise.

Look at the big picture on rates, says bank boss

THE BIG PICTURE: 11 LAWS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE comes from a motivator whose focus is on creating the best life you can have, and assumes basic health and wellness as it provides the psychological tools to change attitudes, embrace challenge and change, and improve overall relationships in all walks of life.

The Big Picture

They flew back to Israel, quit their jobs and founded the local outlet A Capella, a boutique content management group that has had a string of successes and is now betting that its gameshow format, "The Big Picture," which will be unveiled this week at Mip, will be a hit with buyers.

Israeli duo game for new concepts; Shaked, Shamir bring 'Big Picture' philosophy to Mip

With his newest project, called The Big Picture, he even crosses media.

David Krakauer's 'Big Picture' Rethinks Music from Jewish Films

Companion to the gospel Project for Kids curriculum, the "Big Picture Interactive Bible Storybook" presents major Bible stories with special Christ Connections which help connect the life of Christ in Bible stories from Genesis through Revelations.

Big Picture Interactive Bible Storybook