not see the forest for the trees

idiom

: to not understand or appreciate a larger situation, problem, etc., because one is considering only a few parts of it

Examples of not see the forest for the trees in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Some vendors who recently have been forced to hire a SQIL might not see the forest for the trees; possibly interpreting the program as either punitive, surveilling or both. —

Steve Tengler, Forbes, 26 May 2021

Dictionary Entries Near not see the forest for the trees

not say/breathe a word

not see the forest for the trees

not see the wood for the trees

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Not see the forest for the trees.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/not%20see%20the%20forest%20for%20the%20trees. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation