In the grand scheme
Academic essay writing expression
Use this to zoom out and show that small problems aren't important in the long run.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to provide perspective by looking at the big picture.
- Often used to minimize small stresses or summarize academic points.
- Commonly expanded to 'in the grand scheme of things'.
Bedeutung
This phrase is used to describe the 'big picture' or the overall perspective of a situation. It helps you compare a small, immediate event to the entire universe or a long period of time.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Spilling a drink on a new shirt
I was upset about the stain, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a shirt.
I was upset about the stain, but looking at the big picture, it's just a shirt.
A business project missing a minor deadline
We missed the Tuesday deadline, but in the grand scheme, the product launch was a huge success.
We missed the Tuesday deadline, but overall, the product launch was a huge success.
Texting a friend about a bad haircut
It looks a bit short, but in the grand scheme, it'll grow back in a month!
It looks a bit short, but in the long run, it'll grow back in a month!
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase reflects a philosophical tradition of seeking perspective, often associated with Stoicism or Enlightenment thinking. It became increasingly popular in the 20th century as people began to use more 'cosmic' language to describe everyday stresses. In British and American culture, it is a hallmark of someone who is trying to remain objective and rational during a crisis.
The 'Of Things' Addition
Adding 'of things' at the end makes the phrase sound more natural and rhythmic in spoken English.
Don't be a 'Space Cadet'
Using this too often can make you sound like you don't care about details. Use it sparingly!
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to provide perspective by looking at the big picture.
- Often used to minimize small stresses or summarize academic points.
- Commonly expanded to 'in the grand scheme of things'.
What It Means
Imagine you are looking at the Earth from a satellite. From up there, your broken phone or a bad grade looks tiny. That is the grand scheme. It is a way of zooming out. You use it to show that a current problem isn't actually that important. It is about finding perspective in a busy world. It suggests that while something feels big now, it is small compared to everything else.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning or the very end of a sentence. Most people say in the grand scheme of things to make it sound more complete. It acts like a bridge between a specific detail and a universal truth. You can use it to comfort a friend or to conclude a deep argument. It helps you pivot from a small complaint to a larger, more philosophical point.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound wise or calm. It is perfect for a business meeting when a project is slightly late but still successful. Use it when you are texting a friend who is stressed about a first date. It is also a favorite for academic essays. It helps you summarize why your specific topic matters to the rest of the world. It’s great for those late-night talks about life and the universe.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful not to sound dismissive. If your friend is truly heartbroken, saying "in the grand scheme, it doesn't matter" might make them angry. It can feel a bit cold if used during a tragedy. Do not use it for urgent, immediate tasks. If the kitchen is on fire, don't talk about the grand scheme! Use it for reflection, not for avoiding immediate responsibilities.
Cultural Background
This expression has roots in Western philosophy and theology. It relates to the idea of a 'Great Chain of Being' where everything has a place. In modern times, it has become more secular. It reflects a very English-speaking habit of trying to stay 'stoic' or 'level-headed.' It’s the verbal version of taking a deep breath and looking at the stars.
Common Variations
You will often hear the big picture or the long run. Some people might say in the final analysis. However, in the grand scheme sounds much more elegant. It carries a bit of poetic weight that other phrases lack. You might also hear people shorten it to just the grand scheme when they are in a rush.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is highly versatile. In academic writing, it serves as a sophisticated transition. In casual speech, it functions as a 'perspective-check' to help lower stress levels.
The 'Of Things' Addition
Adding 'of things' at the end makes the phrase sound more natural and rhythmic in spoken English.
Don't be a 'Space Cadet'
Using this too often can make you sound like you don't care about details. Use it sparingly!
The Cosmic Secret
English speakers often use this when they are secretly very stressed but want to appear like they are 'chilled out' and philosophical.
Beispiele
6I was upset about the stain, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a shirt.
I was upset about the stain, but looking at the big picture, it's just a shirt.
Used here to downplay a minor annoyance.
We missed the Tuesday deadline, but in the grand scheme, the product launch was a huge success.
We missed the Tuesday deadline, but overall, the product launch was a huge success.
Used to maintain a positive focus on the main goal.
It looks a bit short, but in the grand scheme, it'll grow back in a month!
It looks a bit short, but in the long run, it'll grow back in a month!
A friendly way to offer comfort and perspective.
In the grand scheme of environmental history, this policy change represents a significant turning point.
In the broader context of environmental history, this policy change is very important.
Used to show the importance of a specific event within a large timeline.
I forgot the ice, but in the grand scheme of the universe, does ice even exist?
I forgot the ice, but in the big picture of the universe, does ice even matter?
Using the phrase for hyperbole to be funny.
Leaving that job was scary, but in the grand scheme, it was the best move for my mental health.
Leaving that job was scary, but looking back at my whole life, it was the best move.
Used for serious personal reflection.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a professional context.
The software bug was annoying, but ___ of the project, it was a minor setback.
The standard idiom is 'in the grand scheme' or 'in the grand scheme of things'.
Complete the comforting thought.
Don't worry about the rain; in the grand scheme ___ things, we're still going to have a great wedding.
The full prepositional phrase is 'of things'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'In the Grand Scheme'
Used with friends to shrug off a small mistake.
In the grand scheme, who cares about a late pizza?
Common in daily conversation and emails.
In the grand scheme of things, this delay won't hurt us.
Used in academic writing or speeches.
In the grand scheme of economic theory, this is a minor shift.
When to use 'In the Grand Scheme'
Comforting a friend
It's just one bad grade.
Business Strategy
Looking at 5-year goals.
Academic Writing
Summarizing a thesis.
Self-Reflection
Thinking about life choices.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt means looking at the 'big picture' or considering how a small event fits into a much larger context or timeline.
They are very similar, but in the grand scheme sounds slightly more philosophical or academic, while the big picture is more common in business.
No, you can just say in the grand scheme, but in the grand scheme of things is the most common full version.
It is neutral to formal. You can use it with friends, but it is also very common in university essays and professional reports.
Yes, for example: In the grand scheme, this small win is a huge step for our team.
It can sound dismissive if you use it while someone is very upset. Use it carefully when offering sympathy.
It comes from the idea of a 'scheme' or plan for the universe, often linked to religious or philosophical views of order.
Absolutely. It’s a great way to tell a friend to stop worrying about something small, like In the grand scheme, that text you sent wasn't that awkward.
Yes, the idiom is fixed as grand scheme. You cannot say large scheme or big scheme without it sounding wrong.
A common mistake is using it for very important, immediate problems where 'zooming out' isn't helpful, like a medical emergency.
Verwandte Redewendungen
The big picture
In the long run
All things considered
When all is said and done
From a bird's eye view
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