big picture

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

• (General American) IPA^(key): /bɪɡ ˈpɪk(t)ʃɚ/

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big picture (plural big pictures)

1. The totality of a situation.
   • 1941, United States House Merchant Marine and Fisheries, Merchant-marine inquiry forwarders: Executive hearings, page 35:

     I do not care whether it is placed or not, if I get my stuff to that ship. Now, it is my job to look at the big picture.

   • 1951, US Senate Committee on Armed Services, Military situation in the Far East, page 3089:

     We need somebody who will overlook the petty details, look at the big picture, decide what is necessary to end the war, make a plan,

   • 1993, Bill Clinton, Presidential Radio Address - 31 July 1993:

     I met an executive from Missouri who turned around a failing plant by sharing information with employees about the company's performance. When the employees understood the big picture, they did even better at their jobs.

   • 2002, Kate Chynoweth, Neryl Walker, The Bridesmaid Guide‎:

     In the prewedding whirlwind of bridal showers, dress shopping, and parties, even the most budget savvy bridesmaids can overspend by mistake. Because the events span several months, it can be easy to lose track of the big picture and splurge at each event.

   • 2023 March 8, Gareth Dennis, “The Reshaping of things to come...”, in RAIL, number 978, page 46:

     Having laid out these big-picture figures, the report then begins its analysis of traffic types against route mileage.

2. (British, dated) The main film in a double feature.
3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see big,‎ picture.

• (totality of situation): grand scheme

• bigger fish to fry
• bird's-eye view
• gestalt
• gist
• overview
• see the forest for the trees

• “big picture”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.