sweeping statement
noun phraseUK /ˈswiːpɪŋ ˈsteɪtmənt/
US /ˈswiːpɪŋ ˈsteɪtmənt/
A sweeping statement is a big claim that says something is true for everyone or everything, without checking.
Saying all cats hate water is a sweeping statement.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A remark that covers a wide range of cases but ignores exceptions.
His sweeping statement about modern music upset many fans.
3. A bold, all-encompassing assertion made without detailed evidence.
The report's sweeping statement about the economy surprised the experts.
4. A broad judgment that treats very different things as if they were the same.
She made a sweeping statement that all movies are too long.