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can't see the forest for the trees 

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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.
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can't see the forest for the trees 

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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.
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Related Words
can't see the forest for the trees • Can't see the forest through the trees. • Can't see the hovercraft for the eels • can't see the suits • Can't see the trees for the wood • can't see the wood for the trees • can’t see past the valley • i can't believe you searched this! don't you have anything better to do?? anyway, this is something people type when they are super bored (and/or super dumb) and want to see what happens when they type exactly what is already in the search bar. • Can't see me • Can't see shit captain

Can't see the forest for the trees 

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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.
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More from Urban Dictionary

leafers 

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NYC people who migrate north to Quahog, RI to see the leaves in the fall.
New York and everyone from there can fornicate themselves with an iron stick.
leafers by ss++ February 8, 2005
Word of the Day on September 27, 2026
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Respectfully 

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Precedes or follows either a gratuitously disrespectful or honest remark, originated in New York City. Used in similar fashion to "no offense" or "to be honest," interchangeably.
Ya mans is wild buns, respectfully. Respectfully he's washed.

After school, The Modells on Jamaica Ave was active. Respectfully.
Respectfully by john quan the first December 20, 2020
Word of the Day on September 26, 2026
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You met me at a very Chinese time in my life

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A moment in time where you feel distinctly Chinese over all other things.
Dante: "I wish I could be Nigerian, but I can't because I'm Chinese. You met me at a very Chinese time in my life."
You met me at a very Chinese time in my life by Sus Chad September 21, 2026
Word of the Day on September 25, 2026
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crunchy 

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Adjective. Used to describe persons who have adjusted or altered their lifestyle for environmental reasons. Crunchy persons tend to be politically strongly left-leaning and may be additionally but not exclusively categorized as vegetarians, vegans, eco-tarians, conservationists, environmentalists, neo-hippies, tree huggers, nature enthusiasts, etc.

Also used to describe establishments where alternative foods and products are sold, i.e. natural food stores.

Modified derivative of granola.
"I need more crunchy guys in my life. I'm so tired of dating preppy metrosexual assholes."

"I'm heading out to the crunchy store to pick up some fair trade chocolate and tea tree oil, do you need anything?"
crunchy by EBC July 11, 2007
Word of the Day on September 24, 2026
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