1
general::
An overview, as in This balcony gives us a bird's eye view of the town, or This course gives you a bird's eye view of history? from Eolithic man to the Gulf War in one semester. This expression can be used literally, for a panoramic view such as a bird might see, as well as figuratively. [c. 1600]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): a bird’s-eye view
1. Lit. a view seen from high above. • We got a bird’s-eye view of Cleveland as the plane began its descent. • From the top of the church tower you get a splendid bird’s-eye view of the village. 2. Fig. a brief survey of something; a hasty look at something. • The course provides a bird’s-eye view of the works of Mozart, but it doesn’t deal with them in enough detail for your purpose. • All you need is a bird’s-eye view of the events of World War II to pass the test.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs