forest

can't see the wood for the trees (British, American & Australian, American & Australian)

if someone can't see the wood for the trees, they are unable to understand what is important in a situation because they are giving too much attention to details. After you've spent years researching a single topic you get to a point where you can't see the wood for the trees.

See also: can't, see, tree, wood

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not see the forest for the trees

to pay too much attention to details and not understand the general situation. Company officials were so involved in the talks, they couldn't see the forest for the trees and didn't realize their employees were willing to strike.

See also: see, tree