Definition

1. Noun:
   • The overall/general situation; the big picture: The complete, overarching state of affairs, especially concerning important matters like a country, society, or a major undertaking. It emphasizes the whole rather than the parts.
   • The grand scheme; the main objective: The primary, long-term goal or plan that takes precedence over minor details or individual interests.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ấy luôn suy nghĩ vì đại cục. (He always thinks for the sake of the big picture.)
  • Chúng ta cần hy sinh lợi ích cá nhân vì đại cục. (We need to sacrifice personal interests for the greater good.)
  • Đừng để những chuyện nhỏ ảnh hưởng đến đại cục. (Don't let small matters affect the overall situation.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal, political, or strategic contexts to discuss priorities and collective interests.
• "Vì đại cục": for the sake of the greater good / for the overall situation. This is a common phrase meaning to act for the benefit of the whole, often requiring personal or sectional sacrifice.
  • Mọi quyết định đều phải vì đại cục. (All decisions must be made for the greater good.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đại cuộc (n): A variant with identical meaning and usage to "đại cục".
• Cục diện (n): The situation, state, or layout (often of a conflict or competition). It can be used on a smaller scale than "đại cục".
• Toàn cục (n): The overall situation; the whole picture. Very similar to "đại cục" and often used interchangeably.

Synonyms

• The big picture: The overall perspective or long-term goal.
• The greater good: The benefit of the public or the whole.
• The general situation: The state of affairs as a whole.

Related Idioms

• Hy sinh tiểu tiết, giữ gìn đại cục: To sacrifice minor details to preserve the overall situation. This idiom encapsulates the core concept of prioritizing the main objective.
  • Trong đàm phán, đôi khi phải biết hy sinh tiểu tiết, giữ gìn đại cục. (In negotiations, one must sometimes know how to sacrifice minor points to preserve the greater objective.)

1. cũng nói đại cuộc