Meaning of broad strokes | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Major features or key points; outline.
   idiomatic, plural, plural-only
2. Developments, movements, or descriptions presented in a bold or sweeping manner, without intricacy, adornment, or subtlety.
   especially, idiomatic, plural, plural-only

Examples

“The President made his proposals in broad strokes, and the details remain to be worked out.”

“His plan, in broad strokes, was to outfit a small fleet of cars with a number of miniature directional microphones.”

“A bipartisan group of nine U.S. Senators, after meeting for nine months behind closed doors, is nearing an agreement on the broad strokes of a health-care-reform bill.”

“Maurice hastily climbed the fence, and while he was thus occupied Mr. Samuel Williams received a great enlightenment. With startling rapidity Penrod, standing just outside the storeroom door, extended his arm within the room, deposited the licorice water upon the counter of the drug store, seized in its stead the bottle of smallpox medicine, and extended it cordially toward the advancing Maurice. Genius is like that—great, simple, broad strokes!”

“While the movie unfolds in broad strokes, Ms. MacLaine treats this character with exquisite sensitivity and without condescension.”

“So sketch with broad strokes, dial up the imagery on a few main points, and leave room for a reader to play a part in your novel.”

CEFR level