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.

can't 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.

can't see the forest for the trees by biggs33 October 6, 2010

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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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prickup

slip of the tongue perhaps,
Those idiots who drive around in a ridiculously raised pick up truck, making a top heavy vehicle even more top heavy and unstable

A:*gah*
B: "Whats the matter"
A: This dam prickup is blinding me.
B: Stupid thing's, as if there lights weren't blinding enough as it is.

prickup by lunasea September 28, 2009

Word of the Day on June 23, 2026

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Serial Monogamist

Someone who jumps from one relationship immediately into another one.

Serial monogamists can not stand to be alone and often suffer from vast commitment and insecurity issues.

Because they jump into relationships immediately after the previous one has ended, serial monogamists typically don't take the time to reflect on their behavior or why their previous relationships failed; thus, they end up making the same relationship mistakes over and over again.

Person 1: Damn, Dustin already has a new girlfriend?! It's only been two weeks since he broke up with his fiance! I think he's a sociopath.

Person 2: No, he's a serial monogamist...

Serial Monogamist by Goody2Shuze March 6, 2016

Word of the Day on June 22, 2026

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liquid lunch

A lunchbreak comprised entirely of alcoholic beverages, and no food.

"With all the lay-offs that morning, it was rough. I hit the bar around the corner for a liquid lunch mid-day."

liquid lunch by Alexandra July 27, 2004

Word of the Day on June 21, 2026

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dunzo

Dunzo, a slang word for done/finshed. Made famous by the Laguna Beach cast.

This car is so dunzo. (Kristin's car breaks down.)

dunzo by Joey Pellet December 8, 2004

Word of the Day on June 20, 2026

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