broad brush
A style or approach that deals with something in very general, sweeping terms, without attention to fine details or subtle nuances.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He painted the situation with a broad brush.”
“The report used a broad brush to describe the economic problems, ignoring the specific issues facing small businesses.”
“By dismissing the entire movement with a broad brush, the critic failed to acknowledge the nuanced arguments presented by its more moderate members.”
- 01
broad and shallow
Associated with the Broad Church; latitudinarian.
- 02
broad in the beam
Wide across the hips, with large buttocks.
- 03
broad shoulders
the ability to take criticism, or accept responsibility.
- 04
broad strokes
Major features or key points; outline.
- 05
brush aside
To disregard, dismiss or ignore something, as unimportant.
- 06
brush by
To walk past another person, touching them slightly, normally by accident, and ignoring them.
- 07
brush down
To straighten up one's clothes and to tidy up one's appearance.
- 08
brush off
To disregard (something), to dismiss or ignore (someone), as unimportant.
Last updated August 10, 2026