Meanings
How to pronounce "see the forest for the trees":
AU
To discern an overall pattern from a mass of detail; to see the big picture, or the broader, more general situation.
Example: "Smith is good at detail, but can't see the forest for the trees."
Example Sentences
1
Sometimes we get so caught up in the details that we can't see the forest for the trees.
2
She is so focused on proving her point that she can't see the forest for the trees.
3
The manager is so preoccupied with small issues that he can't see the forest for the trees.
4
It's important to step back and see the forest for the trees when making big decisions.
5
The professor's lecture was full of intricate details, but he failed to see the forest for the trees.