generalize

generalize about (someone or something)

To consider a specific situation in broad or vague terms. Quit generalizing about their divorce—none of us know what's really going on there. We shouldn't generalize about a situation as complicated as healthcare.

See also: generalize

generalize from (something)

To reach a conclusion about someone or something despite a lack of supporting evidence or information. I know you don't like Rosemary, but I think you're just generalizing from your limited interactions with her—I've always known her to be a very sweet woman.

See also: generalize

generalize on (someone or something)

To consider a specific situation in broad or vague terms. Quit generalizing on their divorce—none of us know what's really going on there. We shouldn't generalize on a situation as complicated as healthcare.

See also: generalize, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

generalize about someone or something

 and generalize on someone or something

to interpret someone or something in very general terms. Sometimes it isn't wise to generalize about a complicated issue. She is very complex and it is difficult to generalize on her.

See also: generalize

generalize from something

to assume a general pattern in something from specific observances of something. You can hardly generalize from only two instances. You can't generalize anything from the testimony of a single witness!

See also: generalize

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.