master plan
- noun
- /ˈmæstər plæn/
- The city council approved a comprehensive master plan to improve public transportation over the next decade.
- develop a master plan
- create a master plan
- a new master plan
This is our globalist moment to implement the master plan.
- This is our globalist moment to implement the master plan.
- And that's where I too, for the first time, was exposed to the X file, the secret master plan for Native people.
- I mean, it's all part of the master plan to happen.
Examples
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In response to these needs, upcoming master plan renovations call for improved parking and more restrooms.
Academic text (2002) -
Instead, it looks to the content of the master plan and, in particular, to the "economy of trust" embodied in it.
Academic text (2017) -
Is that part of the master plan?
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It's all part of the master plan.
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Our master plan to do that started right here in New York City.
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While this work was underway, I started the next phase of the master plan.
Academic text (2009) -
I fought long and hard to have this initiative included in the master plan.
Academic text (2001) -
To institute these changes, a master plan is needed based on an effort involving all of the stakeholders.
Academic text (2018) -
Thirteen additional states were actively developing master plans to guide their efforts to create comprehensive EE programs.
Academic text (1997) -
Many cities around the world use master plans, zoning, subdivision regulations, and building codes to control development.
Academic text (1992)
Synonyms
A set of steps arranged to reach a goal
A detailed plan used as a guide to make or achieve something
A plan that shows the steps to reach a goal
A very large, ambitious plan with many parts to achieve big goals
A plan that shows steps to reach a goal
Antonyms
How Comprehensive
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a comprehensive, primary plan' is directly derivable from combining 'master' (chief/primary) with 'plan' (a set of actions), so the overall sense follows straightforward adjective + noun composition. This is a common, cross-linguistic pattern (e.g., 'plan directeur'/'plan maestro'), so a B1 learner who knows both words will very likely infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Master plan likely comes from the idea of a single master who draws the main plan for a building or a town, one big map that shows how all the parts fit together. That's why today master plan means a complete, long-term plan that guides every part of a project.