Can't see forest for the trees vs Can't see the forest for the trees

Both phrases are correct, but the more commonly used version is "can't see the forest for the trees." The addition of the article 'the' before 'forest' helps to clarify the meaning of the idiom, emphasizing the idea of being unable to see the big picture because of focusing too much on small details.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 456 views

Can't see forest for the trees

This phrase is correct but less common. It is a variation of the idiom 'can't see the forest for the trees.'

This phrase is an idiom that means being unable to see the overall situation clearly because of being too focused on small details.

Show examples from the web [+]

You get myopic, can't see the forest for the trees.
Can't see the forest for the trees.
Can't see the forest for the trees.
I guess I can't see the forest for the trees.
Man, you can't see the forest for the trees, man.
Well, you know, sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees, even when the forest is in your own backyard.
One of the basics of investigation is the philosophy, "You can't see the forest for the trees."
They can't see the trees for the forest.
He wanted so badly to get back to his son. Couldn't see the forest for the trees.
It can't see us as long as we stay in the trees.
It's right down there, but we can't see it because of the trees.
We just can't see it yet 'cause of all the trees.
And that is really missing the forest for the trees.
Forest for the trees, Detective.
You can't see the wood for the trees; I should have settled for you
Probably the only one who can see the forest for the trees.
We often talk about losing the forests for the trees, but one also loses a tree within a forest.
We're missing the forest for the trees here.
And we can't keep cutting down rain forests for it.
I can't have the trees and shrubs moving or growing however they want.

Alternatives:

can't see the forest for the trees

Can't see the forest for the trees

This is the more commonly used version of the idiom.

This phrase is an idiom that means being unable to see the big picture because of being overly focused on minor details.

Show examples from the web [+]

Can't see the forest for the trees.
Can't see the forest for the trees.
You get myopic, can't see the forest for the trees.
Man, you can't see the forest for the trees, man.
Well, you know, sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees, even when the forest is in your own backyard.
One of the basics of investigation is the philosophy, "You can't see the forest for the trees."
I guess I can't see the forest for the trees.
They can't see the trees for the forest.
He wanted so badly to get back to his son. Couldn't see the forest for the trees.
Probably the only one who can see the forest for the trees.
You people can't see the forest here.
You people can't see the forest here.
And that is really missing the forest for the trees.
When they look at the forest, they don't see the trees.
We often talk about losing the forests for the trees, but one also loses a tree within a forest.
We're missing the forest for the trees here.
Sometimes a man can't see the one tree because of the forest.
It's easy to not see the forest through the trees.
You can't see the wood for the trees; I should have settled for you
Mr. Gardner, you still have to see the forest through the trees.

Alternatives:

can't see forest for the trees

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Can't see forest for the trees vs Can't see the forest for the trees