The phrase "to see patterns" means to recognize and identify similarities or connections between different things, events, or ideas. It involves looking for underlying structures or trends that can help explain why certain outcomes occur. People who are good at seeing patterns tend to have a strong ability to analyze data, make predictions, and solve problems by finding relationships between seemingly unrelated pieces of information. In essence, it is the ability to identify connections where others may not see them, which can be an important skill in many fields such as science, art, business, and even everyday life.