see the trees through the forest
To appreciate the details of something, as opposed to only focusing on the big picture.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You need to see the trees through the forest to solve this problem.”
“The project is overwhelming, but you must focus on the small steps to see the trees through the forest.”
“While the executive focused on the company's grand vision, the manager struggled to see the trees through the forest, missing the critical errors in the daily operations.”
An inversion of the more common idiom see the forest through the trees.
- 01
bark up the wrong tree
To take the wrong approach to a situation; to follow a false lead; to attempt to solve a problem using mistaken assumptions about its true nature.
- 02
charm the birds from the trees
To behave in a very charming manner.
- 03
Christmas tree bill
A bill consisting of many riders that attracts many, often unrelated, floor amendments, which may provide special benefits to various groups or interests.
- 04
dead tree edition
The physical, printed version of a publication.
- 05
fall out of the ugly tree and hit every branch
To become extremely unattractive.
- 06
for all the world to see
in plain view; clearly visible
- 07
fruit of the poisonous tree
Evidence that has been obtained as the result of an illegal act on the part of law enforcement personnel (such as an unlawful warrantless search, or continued questioning of a witness who has invoked the right of counsel), and which is therefore excluded from being admitted as evidence in a trial.
- 08
go climb a tree
Go away; a rude dismissal.
Last updated August 10, 2026