📖 Meaning
To look at things from a broad, big-picture perspective and grasp the main issues rather than getting lost in minor details. It emphasizes strategic thinking and focusing on the most important aspects of a problem.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase was notably used by the modern writer Lu Xun in his essay collection '且介亭杂文末编' (Late Essays Written at the Qiejie Studio), in the piece 'Reply to Xu Maoyong and on the Anti-Japanese United Front.' In it, Lu Xun criticized those who whispered and stirred up petty conflicts instead of focusing on the greater cause of the anti-Japanese united front. The expression has since become a common counsel to think strategically and prioritize what truly matters.
💡 Example Usage
做事情要大处着眼，小处着手，才能兼顾全局与细节。
One should focus on the big picture while tending to the small details, so as to balance the overall situation with the specifics.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 大处着眼
- Pinyin: dà chù zhuó yǎn
- Literal Translation: big, place, focus, eye
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4