The English We Speak: Can't see the wood for the trees

The English We Speak: Can't see the wood for the trees

From Learning English Conversations by BBC Radio

April 21, 2026 · 3 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the idiom 'Can't see the wood for the trees' and its usage.

This idiom is about focusing on the small details too much and losing sight of the bigger picture. Learn when and how to use it, and learn other language to use in this situation, with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260420 Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app. We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

People in this episode

Hosts: Feifei, Georgie

Topics covered

  • idioms
  • language learning
  • communication
  • focus
  • big picture
  • details

Keywords

  • idiom
  • language tips
  • focus
  • big picture
  • details
  • English learning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio, bbclearningenglish.com, BBC Learning English

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