# broad brush

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/broad-brush
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A style or approach that deals with something in very general, sweeping terms, without attention to fine details or subtle nuances.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.