think small

/θɪŋk smɔːl/

focus on minor details or incremental improvements

The company decided to think small and improve customer service one interaction at a time.

They focused on making gradual improvements rather than pursuing large-scale changes.

informal

To focus on minor details, incremental improvements, or small-scale solutions rather than large, ambitious goals.

Instead of trying to revolutionize the industry, the startup chose to think small and refine its existing product.

They prioritized making their current product better rather than aiming for a major industry disruption.

In problem-solving, sometimes it's better to think small and tackle one issue at a time.

Breaking down a large problem into smaller, manageable parts can lead to more effective solutions.

This phrase emphasizes a pragmatic, step-by-step approach rather than seeking large-scale or radical changes.

Collocations

think small but act bigfocus on details but execute with ambition

focus on ambitious, large-scale goals

execute tasks in a modest, low-key manner

The phrase is often used to contrast with 'think big' and suggests a more cautious or practical approach.

Use 'think small' when advocating for detailed, incremental progress over large-scale changes.

Derived from the contrast between 'thinking big' (ambitious goals) and 'thinking small' (pragmatic, detailed focus).

This phrase is often used in business, innovation, and problem-solving contexts to advocate for a more measured, detail-oriented approach.

think

to consider or focus on

root

small

minor, incremental, or detailed

root

English Dictionary