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can't see the forest for the trees

It means that if you look at things one at a time, you might not realize that a branch of separate "trees" go togehter to make a "forest"

When you are too close to a situation you need to step back and get a little perspective. When you do you will notice there was a whole forest you couldn't see before because you were too close, and focusing on the trees.
Simply that you have focused on the many details and have failed to see the overall view, impression or key point.
Example "can't see the forest for the trees"

He is so caught up in her affectation that he " cant see the forest for the trees"

He is to busy on the outside looking in that he cant see the forest for the trees.
by alberta rogerdena August 24, 2012
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can't see the forest for the trees

To be so concerned with specifics or details that the larger problem, situation or point is missed. Alternate: can't see the woods for the trees. Often said incorrectly as "can't see the forest THROUGH the trees." (English, circa 1500's)
A: I hate the piss and crap all over the place from my wife's cats!
B: Dude, she only has the cats because she knows you hate it and is trying to drive you out. I guess you can't see the forest for the trees.
by biggs33 October 6, 2010
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Climbing the trees

You want to get something that you can never get, you fall down and get a scratch on your external auditory meatus.
Taylor is climbing the trees while writing a paper.
by Gamergurl2000 January 28, 2019
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Humper of the Trees

He is an amazing treebee and has magical sex powers.Wizard from the middle east has been sighted "speaking" with willy wonka.
by mr.spidyville April 28, 2008
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To The Trees

A saying from the 1991 movie Robin Hood. It is used now to inform people that something weird is about to go down. It is mainly used while under the influence of alcohol. The person who said it usually follows it up by doing something that cannot be comprehended by any normal human being.
Mike quickly slammed down two 99 Blackberries and yelled out "To The Trees!". Right after, a grapefruit was thrown through the neighbors window.
by TeddyRuxpin21 December 20, 2012
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there in the trees

When the Indians used gorilla fighting style in the 7 year war
by Ima back October 3, 2019
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Can't see the forest through the trees.

When a person focuses too much on small detail (trees), and misses the big picture (forest).
Stressed out person on vacation: "we have to awake at 4:00am, eat breakfast at 5:00am, goto the tour at 6:00am, arrive at the park 1 hour later, buy this, see that, go here, go there... are you writing this down!"

me: "how about, I'm on vacation, I'll be resting and meet you for lunch."

me behind the other person's back: "yikes, that person Can't see the forest through the trees."
by johncoleman83 March 16, 2017
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