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Phrase Meanings » can't see the forest for the trees
What does "can't see the forest for the trees" mean?
Also,
can't see the wood for the trees. Focus only on small details and fail to understand larger plans or principles, as in Alex argues about petty cash and overlooks the budget—he can't see the forest for the trees. This expression was already a proverb in John Heywood's 1546 collection.
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