high-level overview

Definition

A deliberately vague summary that omits all useful details, typically because the speaker doesn't know them or hopes you won't ask follow-up questions. The executive version of 'I didn't do the reading.'

Example Usage

The consultant gave us a high-level overview that somehow took 45 minutes while saying absolutely nothing specific.

Origin

Business communication terminology from the mid-20th century

Fun Fact

Requests for 'high-level overviews' increase by 40% during earnings calls when executives want to avoid difficult questions.

Source: Business communication and presentation terminology

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