not-see-the-forest-for-the-trees
/nɒt siː ðə ˈfɒr.ɪst fɔː ðə triːz/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To focus on small details and miss the larger situation or main point. It often suggests someone is being too involved in minor matters.
- He missed the big problem and saw only small errors.
- Don't get lost in details and miss the main idea.
- She was so focused on grammar that she missed the message.
Adinary Nuance
This idiom is close to "miss the big picture," but it is more vivid and more critical. Writers use it when someone is paying too much attention to details and losing the main point. It is common in advice, meetings, and exam writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mất cái nhìn toàn cảnh
- Spanish
- no ver el panorama general
- Chinese
- 只见树木不见森林
- Japanese
- 木を見て森を見ない
- Korean
- 나무만 보고 숲을 못 보다
Etymology
This phrase comes from an older English proverb: "can't see the wood for the trees." It uses a forest image to show how small things can hide the whole picture.
Common phrases
can't see the forest for the treesmiss the forest for the treesget lost in the details
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is not-see-the-forest-for-the-trees formal or informal?
- It is common in spoken and written English. It fits advice, business writing, and essays.
- What is the difference between this phrase and miss the big picture?
- They are very close. This phrase is more vivid and slightly more idiomatic.
- Can I use this in IELTS Writing?
- Yes. It can sound natural in Academic and Task 2 writing if used clearly.
- Does it always sound negative?
- Usually, yes. It suggests someone is too focused on minor points.