grand scheme
Overall long-term plan
The grand scheme is the overall plan or larger context within which smaller elements fit.
Almost always appears in the phrase in the grand scheme of things, meaning when you consider everything or look at the big picture: Missing one deadline won't matter in the grand scheme of things.
The expression typically minimizes the significance of whatever is being discussed.
Overall perspective on things
- overviewBroad general summary
- macrocosmUniverse as totality
- panoramaUnobstructed wide-angle view
- bird's-eye viewView from high above
worldview · holistic view · totality · whole · entirety · gestalt · cosmic scale
Comprehensive guiding strategy
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
- cosmic planPredetermined universal order
- divine planDeity's intended course
- destinyPredetermined course of events
fate · providence · orchestration · architect · mastermind · endgame · ultimate goal · final outcome
big picture
Overall perspective on things
bird's-eye view · worldview · holistic view · totality · whole · entirety · gestalt · cosmic scale
masterplan
Comprehensive guiding strategy
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
- cosmic planPredetermined universal order
- divine planDeity's intended course
destiny · fate · providence · orchestration · architect · mastermind · endgame · ultimate goal · final outcome
- strategystrategy, tactics, tactic, tactical, military tactics
- "Grand" phrases
- big picturebig picture, overview, broad view, whole picture, holistic view