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perspective

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put (something) in(to) perspective

To clarify, appraise, or assess the true value, importance, or significance of something. Seeing the devastation caused by a natural disaster like that really puts our petty gripes and problems in perspective, doesn't it? You don't think it's that big a deal? Well, let me put it into perspective for you: each of us will get 10 years in prison if we're caught.

See also: perspective, put

from my perspective

 and from where I stand; from my point of view; the way I see it

Fig. in my own opinion. Mary: What do you think of all this? Tom: From my perspective, it is just terrible. Bob: From my point of view, this looks like a very good deal. Bill: That's good for you. I stand to lose money on it. Alice: From where I stand, it appears that you're going to have to pay a lot of money to get this matter settled. Sue: I'll pay anything. I just want to get all this behind me.

See also: perspective

*in perspective

within a reasonable view or appraisal. (*Typically: be ~; get something ~; have something ~; put something [into] ~.) Let's try to keep everything in perspective. If we put the matter into perspective, I think we can discuss it reasonably.

See also: perspective

*perspective on something

a way of looking at a situation and determining what is important. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; gain ~; give someone ~.) The jury did not have a good perspective on the crime since some of the evidence had to be ignored. Studying history gives one a perspective on the past.

See also: on, perspective