The term 'general idea' can be broken down into five crossword solutions: HANG (4 letters), GIST (4 letters), ABSTRACTION (11 letters), DRIFT (5 letters), and TENOR (5 letters). HANG is a verb meaning to suspend or attach something in a high place, while GIST is a noun referring to the main point or essence of something. ABSTRACTION is a noun that describes a concept or idea that is not associated with any specific instance, DRIFT is a verb meaning to move slowly and gradually in a certain direction, and TENOR is a noun meaning the general meaning or substance of something. Together, these five words can be used to describe the general idea of a concept or topic.