broad-brush approach
1
6.4
- noun
- Many educators criticize the broad-brush approach to teaching that fails to address individual student needs.
Examples
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A broad-brush approach to solving economic problems can overlook important factors that contribute to inequality.
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I am really sick of this broad-brush approach to describing teachers in America.
Blog text (13) -
The problem with such a broad-brush approach is that sanctions tend to affect the general population, while those in the government and the military are able to skirt the sanctions.
Academic text (1997) -
Using a broad-brush approach in policy-making may lead to solutions that are too simplistic for complex issues.
Synonyms
43
5.3
A statement that applies to many people or situations
6
7.0
Making something seem simpler than it really is by leaving out important details
1
7.9
An explanation that is vague and lacks proof or important detail
1
7.6
Applying one idea to many cases when it does not fit
1
8.2
A way of looking at a subject that makes it seem simpler than it really is
1
7.4
A way of looking at something too simply that misses important details
1
8.7
Act of treating a problem as simpler than it is by ignoring important details
1
8.0
Expressing ideas in broad, not detailed statements rather than specific facts
How Specific
Surface Forms
Morphology
broad-brush + approach
The meaning can be partly derived from the constituents: 'broad' = wide/general and 'brush' invokes the metaphor of making broad strokes, so a 'broad-brush approach' denotes a general or oversimplified method. Because this relies on a metaphorical extension (painting with broad strokes) rather than a strictly compositional combination, a B1 learner who knows the words may guess the sense but might not fully predict the nuance without exposure.
Etymology
The noun broad-brush approach comes from the image of a painter using a very wide brush and making broad strokes to cover a large area quickly, so small details are hidden. That's why the phrase means a way of dealing with something in a 'general' or 'too simple' way that ignores important details.