0 the way things are organized or happen in a particular situation, or the way someone wants them to be organized:
I was disappointed not to get the job, but it's not that important in the great/grand scheme of things (= when all things are considered).
Furthermore, he can still avoid apathy and maintain that his life has some importance in the scheme of things.
In this sense, the couples didn't "decide," but sought to discern their proper place in the scheme of things.
In the scheme of things, creole language data have had little attraction or impact in the development of mainstream phonological theories.
The adder may not be as appealing as the giant panda but it has its place in the scheme of things.
It has now won its rightful place in the scheme of things.
There will always be a vital place in the scheme of things for the humble book.
The wholesaler has his place in the scheme of things; he has a function.
Just where does this activity fit into the scheme of things?
