broad-brush
UK[ˈbrɔːd brʌʃ]US[ˈbrɔːd brʌʃ]
adj
Covering many different things in a general way, without paying attention to details.
adj
Done or described in a quick and general way, without specific details.
Morpheme Breakdown
broad
brush
broad
wide
brush
implement for applying paint
Etymology
The compound adjective 'broad-brush' is a metaphorical extension of the literal action of painting with a wide brush. It originates from the visual arts, where using a broad brush allows an artist to cover a large area quickly but without fine detail. This imagery was adopted into general English in the mid-20th century to describe any approach, statement, or description that deals with subjects in a sweeping, generalized manner, intentionally omitting specifics. The logic is directly analogical: as a broad brush applies paint in wide strokes, a broad-brush analysis applies ideas or criticisms in wide, undifferentiated strokes.
Analysis
Structure: broad (wide) + brush (implement for applying paint)
broad: From Old English 'brād' (wide, flat, open). An adjective describing extent.
brush: From Middle English 'brushe', likely from an Old French word for a brush or bundle of twigs. A noun referring to a tool for painting or sweeping.
Examples
The report offered only a broad-brush overview of the economic challenges.
His criticism was too broad-brush and failed to address the nuances of the policy.
We need a more detailed plan; this broad-brush strategy won't work for implementation.