wood (redirected from out of the wood)

cannot see the wood for the trees and cannot see the forest for the trees

Prov. Cannot perceive the overview or important things because of concentrating too much on details. The information presented in this textbook is so disorganized that I can't see the wood for the trees. The politician's opponents claimed that she couldn't see the forest for the trees, because she spent so much time trying to solve minor problems.

See also: cannot, see, tree

knock on wood

to rap on something made of wood. (Said as a wish for good luck. Usually a phrase attached to another statement. Sometime said while knocking or rapping on real wood.) I think I am well at last—knock on wood. I knock on wood when I wish something were true.

See also: knock

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not be out of the wood/woods

to continue having difficulties although a situation has improved Financially, things are looking distinctly more hopeful, but we're not out of the woods yet.

See also: out

can't see the wood for the trees  (British, American & Australian) also can't see the forest for the trees (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: see, tree

dead wood

people in a group or organization who are not useful any more and who need to be removed There's a lot of dead wood in the team which needs to be cleared out.

See also: dead

touch wood  (British, American & Australian) also knock (on) wood (American)

something that you say when you want your luck or a good situation to continue It's been fine all week and, touch wood, it'll stay fine for the weekend. We haven't had any problems with the car so far, knock on wood.

See can't see the wood for the trees

See also: touch

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knock (on) wood (spoken)

I hope my good luck will continue We haven't had any problems with the car so far, knock on wood. I'm expecting, knock wood, to be offered the job next week.

Usage notes: used when you think difficulties are likely

See also: knock

not see the wood for the trees See: not see the forest for the trees

See also: see, tree