big tent

big tent

1. noun A group, movement, or philosophy that appeals or caters to, or encompasses, the broadest and most diverse amount of members possible. We pride our church on being something of a big tent, welcoming any and all who wish to join us. The party is trying to establish itself as a big tent, broadening its aims to appeal to the widest amount of voters possible.
2. adjective Appealing or catering to, or encompassing, the broadest and most diverse amount of members possible. Often hyphenated. In my opinion, their big-tent politics, while reaching more people, dilute the potency of their goals.
See also: big, tent
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a big tent

A big tent is a group such as a political party that includes people with a wide range of opinions. They argue that the party should be a big tent, whose only qualification for membership should be a common belief in lower taxes and smaller government.
See also: big, tent
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • a big tent
  • jack
  • jacked
  • jacking
  • angle
  • angling
  • wear (one's) apron high
  • high
  • high, wide, and handsome
  • fire and brimstone
References in periodicals archive
That's one reason the Big Tent Ideas Festival and its open culture is so refreshing.
Time to ditch the mindless tribalism of outdated politics
To him, the current 'state actors' are only interested in a so-called big tent agenda based on retaining power under the guise of ethnic and political inclusivity.
Maraga joins Ndii in non-state capture
The Big Tent Ideas Festival is an attempt to provide a similar opportunity for people of all ages on the centre-right.
Northumberland MP to appear at 'Tory Glasto'
Radio Sawa quoted a Libyan Air Force commander as saying that the hotbed, including a big tent, military vehicles, fuel and water tanks, was used to launch attacks on the Libyan forces.
Libyan army destroys biggest IS hotbed in Sirte
?LAST The Great British Bake Off: The Final BBC1, 8pm ENTERTAINMENT It's the grand final - and also the last time the fab four Mary, Paul, Mel and Sue will be gathered together in the big tent. There's a right Royal theme, and things are unbelievably tense for the remaining three bakers - Jane Beedle, Candice Brown and Andrew Smyth - as they tackle meringues, a British classic and the biggest and most complex showstopper ever seen.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26; TV GUIDE
The State Chamber/AIA hosted the annual Legislative Reception on April 19 under the big tent on their parking lot.
State Chamber/AIA hosts annual legislative reception on April 19
Following the sit-in staged by refugees protesting against drastically slashed UNRWA relief and aid in Nahr-el-Bared camp, protests reportedly erupted in Saida where a big tent has been set at the very entrance to UNRWA's main office, the same reporters added.
Escalating refugee UNRWA related tension
There was bonfire night at Small Heath Park, pitch and putt at Swanshurst Park, the big tent at Sparkhill Park.
Day on the Outer Circle a health hazard; LETTERS&
"Everything was based in a big tent which used to leak every time it rained.
Elwyn's memories of 69 festivals in a row
"We have also installed a big tent, equipped with all facilities, which can accommodate 2,500 women."
Ghamidi to lead Taraweeh at Rashidiya mosque
Naudero -- ,,, The cricket lovers here have erected an 8x8 large projector away from the population in a big tent to properly enjoy the crucial cricket match between PakistanIndia scheduled on Sunday (today).
Cricket fever in interior Sindh
In addition, the bulldozer demolished a big tent made of fabric and steel pipes.
Israeli Troops Tear down E1 Protest Camp for Fourth Time
Ronald Reagan understood the power of humor, satire and good natured ridicule in ways that created a massive "Big Tent of Voters".
TRN launching "The Sam Sorbo Show"
Both families work together to come up with a big tent, the food, photographs and cars, but who will make the cake?
Cross, Gillian: The Cupcake Wedding