Meaning
An overview.
Cultural Background
The phrase mirrors the 'disegno' vs 'colore' debate in Renaissance art. 'Grandi linee' represent the 'disegno' (the intellectual structure). In Italy, meetings often start with a 'giro di tavolo' (round table) where everyone explains their view 'a grandi linee' to find harmony before debating. Italians value 'il dono della sintesi' (the gift of synthesis). Using this phrase shows you are socially aware and don't want to be a 'chiacchierone' (chatterbox). While used everywhere, in Tuscany, you might hear more artistic metaphors, whereas in Milan, it's used strictly for efficiency in business.
The 'Lazy' Learner's Friend
Use this phrase when you don't know the specific Italian words for a complex topic. It gives you permission to be vague!
Don't use for directions
If you are giving someone directions to your house, don't use 'a grandi linee' or they will get lost. Use 'destra', 'sinistra', and 'dritto'.
Meaning
An overview.
The 'Lazy' Learner's Friend
Use this phrase when you don't know the specific Italian words for a complex topic. It gives you permission to be vague!
Don't use for directions
If you are giving someone directions to your house, don't use 'a grandi linee' or they will get lost. Use 'destra', 'sinistra', and 'dritto'.
Pair with 'Invece'
A great way to sound native is to say: 'A grandi linee è così, invece nei dettagli...' (Broadly it's like this, but in the details...)
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and phrase.
Non ho tempo per i dettagli, spiegami il piano ___ ___ ___.
The fixed idiom is 'a grandi linee'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to summarize a book?
Come descriveresti il libro?
Adjectives like 'grandi' usually precede the noun in fixed idiomatic expressions.
Match the response to the situation.
Quale risposta usa correttamente 'a grandi linee'?
'A grandi linee' is perfect for summarizing a long day without boring your friend.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Hai letto il contratto?' B: 'Sì, l'ho letto ___ ___ ___, ma devo controllare le clausole piccole.'
The contrast with 'clausole piccole' (small clauses) makes 'a grandi linee' (big lines) the perfect idiomatic fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Precision Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNon ho tempo per i dettagli, spiegami il piano ___ ___ ___.
The fixed idiom is 'a grandi linee'.
Come descriveresti il libro?
Adjectives like 'grandi' usually precede the noun in fixed idiomatic expressions.
Quale risposta usa correttamente 'a grandi linee'?
'A grandi linee' is perfect for summarizing a long day without boring your friend.
A: 'Hai letto il contratto?' B: 'Sì, l'ho letto ___ ___ ___, ma devo controllare le clausole piccole.'
The contrast with 'clausole piccole' (small clauses) makes 'a grandi linee' (big lines) the perfect idiomatic fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is always 'a grandi linee'. Using 'in' is a common mistake influenced by other languages.
Yes, it is very common in professional Italian to provide an overview.
Yes, when 'roughly' refers to a description or plan. For numbers, 'circa' or 'grosso modo' is better.
No, that doesn't exist. Use 'nei minimi dettagli' instead.
It is always plural: 'grandi linee'.
Yes, if you are giving a general description: 'A grandi linee, è alto e moro.'
No, it's often seen as polite because it shows you value their time.
'In sintesi' is more like 'in conclusion' or 'to sum up,' while 'a grandi linee' is 'an overview.'
Only if you are just describing what the dish is, not how to cook it.
It is equally common in both.
It means 'big' or 'broad' in the sense of scale, not necessarily importance.
Yes, it's a valid but slightly more formal variation.
Related Phrases
In linea di massima
synonymIn principle / Generally speaking
Grosso modo
similarRoughly / Approximately
In sintesi
similarIn summary
Nei minimi dettagli
contrastIn the smallest details
Punto per punto
contrastPoint by point
In soldoni
informalIn a nutshell / To put it simply
