paint with a broad brush
To describe a class of objects or a kind of phenomenon in general terms, without specific details and without attention to individual variations.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Do not paint with a broad brush when you talk about other people.”
“It is unfair to paint with a broad brush and say that all teenagers are lazy.”
“The critic was accused of painting with a broad brush, ignoring the subtle nuances that made each individual performance in the play unique.”
- 01
broad and shallow
Associated with the Broad Church; latitudinarian.
- 02
broad brush
A style or approach that deals with something in very general, sweeping terms, without attention to fine details or subtle nuances.
- 03
broad in the beam
Wide across the hips, with large buttocks.
- 04
broad shoulders
the ability to take criticism, or accept responsibility.
- 05
broad strokes
Major features or key points; outline.
- 06
brush aside
To disregard, dismiss or ignore something, as unimportant.
- 07
brush by
To walk past another person, touching them slightly, normally by accident, and ignoring them.
- 08
brush down
To straighten up one's clothes and to tidy up one's appearance.
Last updated August 10, 2026