
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
More episodes of Learning English Conversations
- The English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall · June 9, 2026 · 3 min
- The English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame · June 2, 2026 · 3 min
- The English We Speak: Gatekeep · May 26, 2026 · 3 min
- The English We Speak: In over my head · May 19, 2026 · 3 min
- The English We Speak: A hunch · May 12, 2026 · 3 min
- The English We Speak: Take it as a given · May 5, 2026 · 3 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Learning English Conversations podcast page.