can't see the wood for the trees 

To be unable to understand the real situation clearly because you're involvement in it make you loose focus of what is really important

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

Can't see the trees for the wood

Used to desribe someone who is so caught up with the big picture that they lose sight of the smaller but more important details. Opposite of can't see the wood for the trees.

"If you pay off an extra €150 a month on your mortgage, you'll pay it off two years earlier and save €4,000 altogether."

"But since my husband lost his job, we're barely making enough to pay the bills as it is; we can't afford an extra €150 every month."

"Ah, but if you just make this sacrifice now, you'll be in a much, much better position in 18 years!"

"But as I said... oh forget it, you can't see the trees for the wood."

Can't see the trees for the wood by Rhodoferax April 11, 2013