general idea
noun phraseUK /ˌdʒen.ər.əl aɪˈdɪə/
US /ˌdʒen.ɚ.əl aɪˈdiː.ə/
A general idea is a big, simple thought about something, not all the little details.
The general idea of the game is to pass the ball and score a goal.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A basic plan or suggestion that is not yet fully worked out.
We have a general idea for the school trip, but we still need to pick a date.
3. The overall meaning of something rather than its exact words.
I didn't catch every word, but I got the general idea of the story.
4. A broad understanding of a subject rather than deep knowledge of it.
She has a general idea of how engines work, but she isn't a mechanic.