grand scheme

The long term; the complete picture of something. Typically used in the phrase "in the grand scheme of things." I know you're worried about getting a bad grade on this test, but you're such a great student that I doubt it will matter in the grand scheme of things.

See also: grand, scheme

References in periodicals archive ?

In a grand scheme of things, she's just a pawn to the intricate political game waged by the current administration.

The likes of Mocha

Only one of them -- Dembele (left) -- would get into a mid-table Premier League squad right now, so in the grand scheme of things they aren't really going to take either club on to a higher level.

CELTIC'S 7-0 drubbing at the [...]

I know in the grand scheme of things it isn't up there with life and death but I've just discovered that drinking prosecco rots your teeth.

I can't live without fizz

The fans will get a day out but in the grand scheme of where Rangers want to be, it matters little.

the monday jury

CUCUMBER (Channel 4, Thursday, 9pm) IT is the nal slice of Cucumber and everyone gets caught up in Henry's grand scheme .

best drama

CUCUMBER (Channel 4, Thursday, 9pm) IT is the final slice of Cucumber and everyone gets caught up in Henry's grand scheme .

best drama

In this final episode, everyone seems to be playing along with his grand scheme, apart from Freddie, who realises the truth.

CHOICE Vincent Franklin Cucumber Channel [...]

The Toffees travel to the King Power Stadium without a win in pre-season - but Jagielka insists that results overthe last five matches are unimportant in the grand scheme - but Jagielka insists that results over the last five matches are unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

We're all fit and raring to go, says Jagielka

Ninth place may not sound much in the grand scheme of things, but to a team like Marussia such a position would effectively be as good as winning the title.

Brit hoping to hold off Sauber; FORMULA ONE

Most of us would have to be in a drug-induced coma to buy into this, but in former Dem guv wannabe Jackie Cilley's grand scheme of things, she wins her bid for NH House seat and then by popular acclaim is elected speaker by a vibrant Dem majority.

House wars z

I'll leave it to the scholars to discuss what this means in the grand scheme of biblical power struggles (or not, whatever).

'Noah' is Now The Most Popular Name For Baby Boys

In the grand scheme of things it won't make a huge difference.

North relishes another special clash with Ireland

grand scheme of things, in the grand scheme of things, it means

Blowhole

So far, Nokia's Lumia smartphones have been relatively small in the grand scheme of the things.

Finland : NOKIA to reveal Full HD PHABLET

But in the grand scheme of school money-grabbing tactics, asking for a deposit now for next year isn't that unreasonable.