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master plan

master plan

48 4.0
A long guide for how to develop and manage a city or campus over many years
  • noun
  • /ˈmæstər plæn/
: plan maestro
  • 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.

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Examples

  • 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?

  • It's all part of the master plan.

  • Our master plan to do that started right here in New York City.

  • 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

plan
vsmaster plan
∞ 1.0

A set of steps arranged to reach a goal

is more comprehensive and long term, outlining overall approach rather than steps
blueprint
vsmaster plan
72 3.9

A detailed plan used as a guide to make or achieve something

is higher level and long term, setting overall direction not implementation
roadmap
vsmaster plan
41 3.5

A plan that shows the steps to reach a goal

is strategic and comprehensive, focusing on long term direction rather than steps
grand scheme
vsmaster plan
19 5.1

A very large, ambitious plan with many parts to achieve big goals

is a comprehensive long term strategy outlining overall development and management
road map
vsmaster plan
18 3.5

A plan that shows steps to reach a goal

is broader and long term, giving overall direction not step instructions

Antonyms

29 5.6

An act of making or doing something quickly without a plan to solve a problem

7 3.8

A lack of order or system that makes things untidy

How Comprehensive

master plan
48 4.0
blueprint
72 3.9
plan
∞ 1.0
to outline
148 3.3
idea
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

master plan singular
master plans plural

Morphology

master + plan

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.