grand scheme: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘grand scheme’ mean?
The idiom "grand scheme" refers to the overall plan or strategy that encompasses all the smaller details and actions. It emphasizes the larger perspective and long-term goals rather than focusing on individual parts or immediate results.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in the long term" refers to a period of time that is far into the future, usually indicating a result or consequence that will be realized after a significant amount of time or over an extended period. It emphasizes the importance of considering the potential outcomes or impacts over a longer timeframe rather than focusing solely on short-term effects.
The idiom "in the long run" means considering the overall or ultimate outcome or result of a situation, especially over a period of time, rather than focusing on immediate or short-term effects.
The idiom "in detail" means to explain or describe something thoroughly or with great attention to specific information or facts.
The idiom "in a big way" means to do something on a large scale, with great intensity or significance.
The idiom "have in mind" means to have a specific idea or plan in one's thoughts or intentions.
The idiom "great deal" means a large amount or quantity of something. It is used to indicate that there is a significant or considerable extent or degree of something.
The idiom "grand total" means the final sum or amount, usually of a series of numbers or quantities, representing the total or overall result.
The idiom "go far" means to achieve great success or make significant progress in one's endeavors or career.
The idiom "go all the way" means to fully commit or complete a task or action without hesitation or reservation.
Cracking the Enigmatic "Grand Scheme"
"big picture" is a related idiom that is often used interchangeably with "grand scheme." It refers to looking at the broader perspective or overall view of a situation or plan. When considering the big picture, individuals take into account the larger context and long-term implications, rather than focusing on small details or short-term outcomes.
The idiom "game plan" is another related expression that shares similarities with "grand scheme." It refers to a strategic plan or approach to achieving a specific goal or objective. Like the grand scheme, a game plan involves considering the overall strategy and taking into account the various factors and steps required to achieve success.
"broad strokes" is a related idiom that highlights the importance of a general or rough outline when describing a plan or approach. It suggests that the specific details or finer points are not as significant as the overall framework or main ideas. Like the grand scheme, using broad strokes encourages individuals to focus on the main components or ideas rather than getting caught up in minutiae.
When the idiom "grand scheme" is used, it signifies the importance of looking beyond immediate circumstances and considering the bigger picture. It reminds individuals to evaluate actions or decisions in relation to the overall plan or objective. By considering the grand scheme, individuals can take a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving, decision-making, or analysis.
The history of the idiom "grand scheme" can be traced back to its French origins, with the word "scheme" meaning a plan or design. The addition of the word "grand" emphasizes the scale or significance of the plan or scheme being discussed. Over time, the idiom has become a commonly used phrase in everyday speech, conveying the idea of considering a broader perspective.
Throughout literature, journalism, and everyday conversations, the idiom "grand scheme" finds its place as a means of promoting a holistic approach to understanding and evaluating situations. It encourages individuals to consider the big picture, the game plan, and the broad strokes rather than getting caught up in insignificant details or immediate outcomes.
Using the idiom "in the grand scheme of things" is a way of expressing the idea that a particular action or event, although it may seem important in the moment, holds relatively little significance when considering the overall context. This idiom suggests that individuals should adopt a more elevated perspective and not become overly concerned with minor issues or distractions that may arise.
In today's world, where information is easily accessible through the internet and social media, it is important to remember the value of considering the grand scheme. With so much information available, it can be easy to get lost in the details or be influenced by short-term trends. By taking a step back and looking at the big picture, individuals can make more informed decisions and have a clearer understanding of the larger context in which they operate.
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The idiom "grand scheme" serves as a reminder to consider the bigger picture when evaluating a situation or making decisions. It emphasizes the importance of taking a broader view and considering the overall objective or plan. In this context, related idioms such as "big picture," "game plan," and "broad strokes" further emphasize the significance of looking at the larger context and considering the main components or ideas. By invoking the grand scheme and using these idioms, individuals can foster a more comprehensive understanding of complex situations and ensure that decisions are made with a holistic perspective.
Example usage
Examples:
- In the grand scheme of things, this minor setback is just a small bump in the road.
- He always focused on the details and overlooked the grand scheme, which resulted in missed opportunities.
- When you look at the grand scheme, it's clear that this decision will have a significant impact on the company's future.
Analysis:
The idiom "grand scheme" is used to refer to the overall plan, big picture, or larger perspective in a given situation. It is often used to indicate the significance or importance of something when considering the broader context.
In the examples provided, the idiom is used in different contexts:
- In the first example, it is used to downplay a minor setback, emphasizing that it is a small and insignificant issue when considering the grand scheme of things.
- In the second example, the idiom is used to highlight someone's inability to see or understand the bigger picture, as they focus on details and miss the grand scheme.
- In the third example, the idiom is used to emphasize the importance and long-term impact of a decision when considered within the grand scheme of the company's future.
Overall, the idiom "grand scheme" is commonly used to convey the idea of looking at a situation in its entirety and considering its broader implications or significance.
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