In selling hats at the fair John would not lower the price a single penny . So while he argues that the full price need to be paid to gather as much funds as possible for charity he can't see the wood for the trees, losing sales all day long and collecting much less money than the other that were willing to sell their hat for a little less.

can't see the wood for the trees by ninuzzu December 10, 2015

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Can't see the forest for the trees

To become so caught up in the small details that you're unable to step back see what is going on or what will happen. Our take of reality gets bent as we are too involved.

Like when person is so focused on finding an error in day a book, that they didn't take the time to enjoy it for what it was; a story.

Another would be say a brother or siser begs you to hide them, acts nervous (you ignore this) They look out windows (you ignore this too) as you just want to catch up. They ask you to hide a knife .... a bloody knife ..

The trees fall away yet?

"Can't see the forest for the trees", Dan said.

Can't see the forest for the trees by quietriver September 30, 2016

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Can't see the forest through the trees.

This term means someone is so simple minded that they can't figure out the simplest problems. Their minds are like great big empty voids of any kind of logical thought. This is why even though the can see the trees their simple minds can't grasp that's the forest.

Ray : Did you see that guy trying to change his flat tire, it took him an at least an hour.

Tony :That guy can't see the forest through the trees.

Can't see the forest through the trees. by TV CAR March 29, 2010

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